- Mindfulness-based
- Hypnotherapy informed
- Solution-focused
About Michael
Michael Leunig is a counsellor and psychotherapist with six years of professional practice. He holds BACP membership and combines his own life experience with clinical work to help people who feel stuck by grief, trauma, divorce or long-term low mood. He speaks English and German and works from the United Kingdom.
Michael's path into therapy began with his own recovery from depression and anger. Mindfulness played a key part in his healing and he went on to train as a Mindfulness Master Practitioner and to teach mindfulness to groups and other therapists. He later completed a degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy at Salford University and studied clinical hypnotherapy, which he now teaches.
His background includes roles at the mental health charity Mind, work with the Blue Lights scheme alongside emergency services, and work in NHS surgeries across the north of England using solution-focused methods. He also works as a mind coach for a rugby league team and runs a private practice that has received awards for psychotherapy and clinical hypnotherapy.
In sessions he uses an integrative approach. He draws on client-centred ideas, mindfulness, hypnotherapy and solution-focused work to tailor sessions to each person's needs. He aims to help people find their own answers and to move forward from painful patterns.
Michael presents as pragmatic and down-to-earth. He listens, asks straightforward questions, and offers techniques that people can use between sessions. His approach suits people wanting practical steps alongside time to talk through life changes, loss, addiction and relationship or family-related concerns.
Online approaches and how they can help
Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and supporting a person's own pace of change. It aims to make space for thoughts and feelings, which can help with low mood, anxiety and self-esteem difficulties.Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and manage stress. It can be useful for panic, chronic worry, and coping with grief or chronic health issues.
Finding the right method is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences and what has helped before, and then try approaches together. That way sessions are adjusted to what fits the person's needs rather than following one fixed style.
For practicalities, please confirm the therapist's available session formats before booking as the biography does not specify formats. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Some people find it simpler to work by audio if they prefer not to be on camera, while others use video for a fuller conversation. Registered or accredited professionals can adapt techniques such as mindfulness exercises or solution-focused planning to work well at a distance.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
6+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English, German
Frequently asked questions
What issues can Michael help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression and anger plus addictions, grief and family concerns. His practice also addresses trauma, career changes and coping with life transitions.
What is his style in sessions?
Sessions are pragmatic and client-centred with a focus on listening and practical steps. He blends techniques and clear questions to help people find workable next steps.
How long has he been practising?
He has six years of professional experience in counselling and psychotherapy, including work for a national charity and NHS surgeries.
What credentials and location are listed?
He is a member of the BACP and works from the United Kingdom.
Which languages are available?
Sessions are offered in English and German, and he accepts international clients.
What session formats are offered?
Please confirm the current session options with the therapist before booking, as formats are not specified in the biography.
How are fees handled?
Costs vary with location and therapist arrangements; 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.