Hal Thompson, BACP

Hal Thompson offers a calm, direct approach for people worrying about stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and self-esteem. He introduces himself simply and plainly, making space for someone to say what feels hard. Hal aims to help people understand everyday thoughts and habits that keep problems going, and to find manageable ways to change them.

Hal holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Sussex and a Master’s degree in psychodynamic counselling and psychotherapy from Birkbeck, University of London. He is a BACP member. He has three years of therapy-specific experience working directly with clients and previously worked in arts and education before moving into mental health.

His main way of working draws on psychodynamic ideas, looking at how past experiences and coping patterns show up now. He also uses elements from cognitive behavioural approaches and internal family systems when they fit a person’s needs. Sessions tend to focus on thoughts, everyday habits, and the feelings that drive them.

Hal aims to create a collaborative plan with each person. That plan invites reflection, practical steps, and gradual change rather than quick fixes. He uses plain language, steady curiosity and compassion in sessions.

People can expect straightforward discussion of what is causing stuckness, gentle examination of repeating patterns, and simple tools to test different ways of responding. Hal works in English and accepts international clients, and he asks people to check the available session options before booking.

How therapeutic approaches guide online work

Hal’s practice centres on psychodynamic ideas and draws on cognitive behavioural techniques and internal family systems. Psychodynamic work looks at how past experiences and coping patterns affect current thoughts and habits; this helps when repeated reactions feel automatic or confusing. Cognitive behavioural techniques focus on spotting unhelpful thoughts and trying small behavioural experiments to change everyday habits and reduce anxiety. Internal family systems offers a way to name and talk to different parts of the self, which can help with strong emotions or patterns like shame or self-criticism.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the therapy process. The therapist will work collaboratively to choose methods that match a person’s needs, goals and preferences. Together they test what helps most and adjust the plan as work progresses.

The original profile does not list specific online or in-person formats, so please confirm available session types before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, reduce travel and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also support people who live abroad or have limited time, while keeping the focus on practical changes to thoughts and everyday habits.