Martin Firstbrook
BA (Hons), PgDP, MBACP (Accred)
 

I work with individuals and couples who want a thoughtful, relational space to reflect on their current difficulties and make sense of what they are experiencing, so that they can move forward with greater clarity and understanding.  I also offer specialist work with professionals and business owners, and separate pages describe my approach to couples and work-related support in more detail.

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My approach is friendly, grounded, and research-informed. I work both online and face to face, and I offer counselling, psychotherapy, coaching, or a thoughtful combination of these, depending on what feels most appropriate for your situation rather than fitting you into a predetermined model.

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I start from the perspective that people make sense. The ways we feel, behave, and relate — even when they cause difficulty — have meaning that can be understood in the context of our history, our current life circumstances, and our direction of growth.  An important part of my work is exploring this meaning together, at a pace that allows insight to emerge rather than be forced.​

 

People come to me with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, burnout, betrayal or infidelity, relationship breakdown, low self-esteem, feeling low or depressed, "imposter syndrome", ADHD, anger, panic, isolation, trauma or PTSD, bereavement, suicidal thoughts, and challenges related to work or major life decisions.

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Others come without a specific “problem” to fix, but with a sense that something important is out of alignment — in their relationships, their work, or their sense of meaning and purpose.

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I regularly work with clients from very different backgrounds, including City professionals, medical professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, tradespeople, those between jobs, and those navigating major transitions. What matters most is not background or profession, but a willingness to reflect and to engage honestly with the work.

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I am professional but down to earth. Our work together will sometimes involve serious reflection, and at other times there may be lightness, humour, and relief. I am an active and engaged therapist rather than a distant or neutral presence. There will be moments where listening carefully is central, and moments where I offer observations, reflections, or ideas that may help you make sense of what is happening and how it fits into the wider pattern of your life.

 

My training is integrative, which allows me to adapt how I work to what you bring. At times this may involve more structured, cognitive approaches; at other times it may involve more imaginative, intuitive, or relational exploration.  Whatever the method, the intention is not simply to reduce symptoms, but to support understanding, insight, and a more grounded way of moving forward.

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Next Steps

Contact me via email or WhatsApp to make a general enquiry.  The next step would be an initial consultation.  During that meeting we will discuss your situation and get to know each other a little before deciding on whether we will work together for a period of time and on what basis.

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Education and Accreditations

• WPA private health recognised provider

• Vitality Health recognised provider

• Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy

• BACP Accredited status, recognising enhanced experience and training

• Postgraduate Diploma in Psychosynthesis, accredited by the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) and the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)

• Advanced Diploma in Couples Therapy accredited by COSRT, College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists

• Level 1 & 2 Gottman Method Couples Therapy / Couples Counselling Training

• Certificate in Groupwork - Gestalt and Psychodynamic 

• Member of the British Psychological Society and BPS Special Group in Coaching

• British Psychological Society, Qualified Specialist in Test Use

• Accredited to use a range of psychometric tools including:  Gottman Relationship Checkup, Hogan Assessments HDS, HPI, MVPI; Talent Q Dimensions; Neo PI-R; MBTI; BeTalent Strengths, Values and Decision Making Style

• Meyler Campbell Business Coach Programme, accredited by the World Association of Business Coaches

• 20 years experience working in corporate leadership roles before retraining as a psychotherapist

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