Meet Martin

Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist

Martin is an experienced psychodynamic counsellor who works with children, teenagers and adults. Calm, reflective and thoughtful, he helps people explore difficult emotions, experiences and relationships at a pace that feels manageable.

Influenced by his background in art and design, Martin often draws on creativity and imaginative thinking when feelings are difficult to put into words.

Experience

Originally qualifying with a degree in Graphic Design, Martin retrained as a psychodynamic counsellor in 2011 and has since worked extensively with children, teenagers and adults across school, charity and community settings.

After completing a Certificate and Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling at Chelmsford Counselling Foundation, he continued his postgraduate training at the University of Essex, completing a Graduate Diploma in Psychodynamic Approaches, an MA in Psychoanalytic Studies and an MA in Psychodynamic Counselling with Children and Adolescents.

Since qualifying, Martin has worked in both primary and secondary schools. He has also volunteered as a counsellor with Open Road, supporting adults recovering from substance misuse and addiction.

Before this, he worked with the charity 1NE across London and Essex schools, supporting children affected by substance misuse.

Martin also spent more than 10 years as a foster carer for Essex County Council, giving him extensive experience supporting children and young people affected by trauma, disrupted relationships and complex emotional difficulties.

His work has often focused on the longer-term impact of addiction, trauma and dissociation, as well as attachment difficulties, low self-esteem and difficulties managing emotions.

Qualifications and training

BA Graphic Design
Certificate in Psychodynamic Counselling – Chelmsford Counselling Foundation
Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling – Chelmsford Counselling Foundation
Certificate in Freudian Concepts – University of Essex
Graduate Diploma in Psychodynamic Approaches – University of Essex
MA Psychoanalytic Studies – University of Essex
MA Psychodynamic Counselling with Children and Adolescents – University of Essex

Martin’s approach

Martin believes therapy can help people begin to understand experiences that may previously have felt confusing, overwhelming or difficult to express.

His style is thoughtful, calm and creative. Alongside talking, he may use play, art and imaginative approaches where helpful, particularly with children and teenagers who struggle to talk about their emotions.

His aim is to help people make better sense of what they’re experiencing, build trust and feel more able to manage difficult emotions and relationships.