Ian Leigh — Counselling & Psychotherapy

“It’s never too late to be what you might have been” George Eliot

Category: Uncategorised

  • Testimonials


    “Working with Ian  has been excellent… It was very very good to have someone to talk to about what was happening in my life and to feel you could understand and  support me emotionally.”

    “For the first time in my life I’m learning how to talk about my feelings. I was taught it’s not what men do… It’s not all plain sailing but I feel happier and my relationships with my partner, family and friends all feel warmer and closer. It’s like the difference between an old black and white portable tv and a 4K Ultra-HD one!”

    “Ian changed my life. I was angry and frightened when I went to see him. Ian quickly saw that. I was lost and he gave me a map. I can find it difficult to open up but with him it was different. I always found Ian completely non-judgemental. He understands men, especially violent men, their trauma, their shadow and their spirituality.”

    “I’ve gained so much through my sessions with Ian. I’m much clearer about my feelings, how to say what I need and when to say, ‘No’… He let me work at a pace that was right for me. Sometimes I wanted you to push me along but in hindsight I can see how important it was that Ian didn’t do that.”

    “I thank Ian so much for the work we did together. I often walked away calmer, clearer and energised. He is a gift!”

    “I needed support for such a long time but didn’t want to admit it. I thought I had boundaries in place in my life. Drop by drop by drop, with Ian’s support, I’ve learned how to hold my boundaries and now much better at that.”

    “Ian helped so much to guide me to a place and a path that I now feel comfortable to follow.”

    “I’ve had some really important insights. Working with Ian has been really helpful. It’s made me stop and think and see my life in a different way.”

    “I’ve gained peace of mind; with myself and with my life.”

    “Life changing! At times it’s not been easy but the changes have been much greater than I could have imagined.”

    “Working with Ian has been excellent. I feel much happier and have a much better sense of how to live my life.”

    “Ian helped me to find my own voice. I am much clearer about what’s important to me and the choices I need to make.”

    “One of the best things was that Ian listened to what I had to say without judging or fixing. To have a safe space where I could talk and say what I needed to say has been so important for me.”

    “I feel I’m able to articulate myself much more clearly now… It’s like the different parts of me are all in the same room having a conversation and not confused and scattered all over the place.”

  • Welcome

    Welcome

    Welcome to a Place Where You Matter

    I work with adults online and in-person in the Brick Lane and, Shoreditch areas in East London, close to Liverpool Street Station. I have over a decade of experience of working with people from all walks of life and provide a confidential, grounded, and non-judgmental environment where you can explore your experiences and meaningful personal change can take place. 

    Many of the people I work with deal with  anxiety, difficult relationships, depression, low self-esteem, grief, stress, anger or substance misuse. These symptoms can be exhausting and often have deeper roots. Together we can explore them safely, compassionately, and without pressure. Please check out my qualifications and training here.

    We’ll work gently and collaboratively, helping you reconnect with your sense of self, strengthen your boundaries, and explore how the past has shaped your thoughts, behaviours, and relationships. I’ll support you to explore you thinking, emotions, and bodily sensations, and thereby foster a deeper understanding of yourself and your experiences. In this way, we can uncover what truly matters to you, identify recurring patterns you wish to change, and develop coping strategies for managing stress and difficult emotions.  

    Specialist Areas: I specialise in trauma and healing from abusive relationships (antagonistic, high conflict, narcissistic or toxic). These experiences can often leave us feeling disconnected, emotionally overwhelmed, confused and caught in repetitive patterns.

    • Trauma & Complex Trauma (CPTSD): I support clients in navigating the aftermath of long-term or repeated trauma. Together, we’ll work to reduce emotional overwhelm and build inner stability.
    • Healing from Antagonistic Relationships: Whether current or past, these dynamics can leave a lasting imprint on your self-esteem, personal boundaries, and sense of identity. I offer space to untangle the effects and rediscover your voice and sense of self.

    My approach is ‘trauma-informed’ and ‘antagonistic relationships informed’. I draw on a range of therapeutic models and experience to ensure I can teach and support you to regulate your emotions, feel safe and develop the best way forward for you.

    I’ll work with you to help you understand your thoughts, emotions and, behaviours. Not just what’s going on, but how you relate to yourself in the midst of it. This can open up new perspectives and give you greater freedom to choose how you want to be, set your personal boundaries and connect with others.

    You don’t have to face things alone.

    Please check my testimonials from previous clients.

    Diversity & Inclusion: I welcome diversity of all kinds. I am LGBTQIA+ affirming and hold space to explore the richness, complexity and interplay of identity, race and culture. My preferred pronouns are he/him.

    Registration: I am a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and bound by their ethical framework. This means I meet a set standard of practice, including having my work professionally supervised and being committed to ongoing professional development.

    Contact me below to arrange a FREE introductory Zoom or phone call. This gives us a chance to find out what you’re looking for and address any questions you may have.