Mark McConnell, BACP - Therapist in United Kingdom

Directive and strengths-based
Short-term practical help
Works with anxiety

About Mark

Mark McConnell is a counsellor with three years of professional experience in the United Kingdom. He focuses on common problems such as stress and anxiety, low self esteem, depression and motivation. He speaks English and works with people who want practical, straightforward help for everyday struggles.

Mark uses a directive style while still treating each person as the expert on their own life. He listens for strengths and then helps clients spot patterns and small changes that make a difference. Sessions are practical and goal-oriented, and he supports people through blocks that stop them moving forward.

He draws on a mix of approaches including Client-Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness Therapy. That means conversations can focus on feelings and values, on changing unhelpful thinking and behaviour, or on simple attention and breathing practices to reduce stress.

Mark also uses Motivational Interviewing and Psychodynamic Therapy when they suit the issue. These approaches help with difficult transitions, stuck habits, relationship problems and issues tied to past experiences. He aims to tailor the work so it fits each person’s goals and pace.

People often come to him worried about panic, anxiety or overwhelming stress. He helps them break problems into manageable steps, build confidence, and find clearer ways forward. To begin, clients follow the site matching process and then arrange sessions according to availability.

How his approaches translate to online therapy

Mark commonly draws on Client-Centred Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and he also uses Mindfulness Therapy. Client-Centred Therapy means conversations focus on what matters to the person, with the therapist listening and reflecting to help clarify values and choices. CBT looks at links between thoughts, feelings and actions and supports practical steps to shift unhelpful patterns. Mindfulness Therapy offers simple practices for calming the body and attention, which can reduce stress and panic symptoms.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences and what has or hasn’t helped before. Together they decide which methods to try, and adapt the plan as progress is made.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the current session options before booking as formats are not specified here. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, reduce travel, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It also lets people continue therapy across different locations. Registered or accredited professionals offer a range of approaches, and Mark will work with you to make sessions practical and relevant to your day-to-day needs.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuse Grief Self esteem Depression

Also works with

AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAvoidant personalityBody imageCommunication problemsDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesGuilt and shameHoardingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPhobiasPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobia Young adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

3+ years

Listed in

United Kingdom

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Mark commonly help with?

He supports people facing stress, anxiety, panic symptoms, low self esteem, depression and motivation problems. He also works with a wide range of related issues such as grief, relationship strain, addiction and sleep difficulties.

What is his therapeutic style like?

Mark describes a directive approach that still centres the person’s own experience. Sessions are practical, focused on identifying strengths and making small changes.

How much experience does he have?

He has three years of professional work experience in the United Kingdom providing mental health support.

What qualification does he hold and where is he based?

He is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, recorded as BACP, and is based in the United Kingdom.

In which languages are sessions available?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the UK work with him?

He accepts international clients; please check any local regulations that might affect cross-border counselling.

How much do sessions cost?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I start sessions with him?

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