Registration on file

Hal Thompson, BACP

Hal Thompson is a counsellor who aims to make the first step easier for people seeking help.

About Hal

Hal Thompson is a counsellor who aims to make the first step easier for people seeking help. He acknowledges how hard reaching out can feel and offers a calm, non-judgemental space to begin talking about what is worrying you.

He has a Master’s degree in psychodynamic counselling and psychotherapy from Birkbeck, University of London and a BA in psychology from the University of Sussex. Hal is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP.

Background and approach

He has three years’ experience working as a therapist and experience in wider mental health settings. Hal mainly works from a psychodynamic perspective. That means he pays attention to how past experiences and recurring patterns affect what happens now.

He helps people notice patterns that feel stuck and talks through how they show up in everyday life. When useful, he brings in other evidence-based techniques to help with specific problems. These can offer practical tools alongside the deeper conversational work.

Issues he commonly supports people with include stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, and low self-esteem. Sessions are collaborative. Hal aims to match the pace to each person and to build a plan together.

He also works with related difficulties such as attachment struggles, dissociation, guilt and shame, obsessive thoughts, panic, post-traumatic stress, self-harm, and social anxiety.

Details from the counsellor's public professional profile · registration number listed

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Registration

Body	Registration number	Expires
BACP	399035	April 2026

Registration details are as listed on the counsellor's public profile. You can check any number with the registering body.

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Sessions and payment

Sessions are held online through our partner platform, by video, phone or messaging depending on the counsellor.

Cost Costs are shown on the partner platform before you commit. If cost is a concern, ask about reduced-fee options.

Focus areas and approaches

Everything Hal lists on their public professional profile, in their own terms.

Therapeutic approaches and online working

Hal primarily uses psychodynamic work, which looks at how past experiences and repeating patterns influence present feelings and behaviour. This approach helps people understand why certain reactions keep happening and opens up ways to choose differently.

He also draws on evidence-based techniques when they are helpful. For example, short-term practical strategies can reduce intense anxiety or help manage compulsive urges. These tools sit alongside the deeper exploration to give both understanding and immediate relief.

Finding the right blend of approaches is part of the work. Hal collaborates with each person to decide what feels most useful based on their concerns, goals and preferences. Together they review what helps and adjust the plan as therapy progresses.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging. Video is good for a conversational, face-to-face feel. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or you prefer not to be on camera. Live chat and messaging suit shorter check-ins, reflective writing or people who prefer typing. These options offer flexibility for fitting therapy around work, travel or family life.

Frequently asked

What kinds of problems can I bring to therapy?

Hal supports people with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, and self-esteem difficulties. He also works with related issues such as attachment problems, dissociation, panic, OCD-type concerns, guilt and shame, and social anxiety.

What is Hal's style in sessions?

He uses a psychodynamic approach that looks at how past experiences shape current patterns. Sessions combine thoughtful conversation with practical techniques when they fit the person's needs.

How much experience does he have?

Hal has three years' experience as a therapist, plus prior work in wider mental health roles and in arts and education.

What professional credential does he hold?

He is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP, and holds a Master’s in psychodynamic counselling and psychotherapy.

Can I work with him if I'm not in the UK?

Sessions are offered to international clients, and he is based in the United Kingdom.

Which session formats are available?

He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to suit different preferences and needs.

How are sessions paid for?

Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I begin working with him?

Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.