Counselling & Psychotherapy in Wirral & Liverpool

MEET

Martin Poole

When was the last time you felt truly understood?

As an honest, compassionate counsellor, I offer a down-to-earth, no-nonsense approach I would have appreciated when I attended therapy. Having been a sceptical client myself before becoming a therapist, I have some idea of what you might be feeling, especially if this is your first time seeking therapy. I believe you have been trying to manage life in the best way you can, but sometimes we all need help. By listening carefully to understand your unique circumstances, we can work together to fulfil your needs and empower you to make positive choices in life.

I am a Level 7 fully qualified person-centred and humanistic counsellor (PG Diploma – with distinction) and a registered member of the BACP.

Therapy For Adults

Short or long-term therapy

Some clients use sessions for personal development, to talk through major life decisions, or to explore existential and philosophical questions of meaning, purpose or belief. I also work with a broad spectrum of human distress. Whatever your background or identity, you’re welcome here. If you are searching for support with specific challenges, I bring deep clinical experience to helping individuals navigate a range of issues, including:

Anxiety, Panic, and Stress: I provide a non-judgmental space to process the heavy, overwhelming physical and emotional weight of chronic anxiety, panic attacks, and daily stress.
Depression, Low Mood and Self-Esteem: Working gently through periods of low mood, loss of confidence, and feeling stuck or disconnected.
Work, Life Transitions and Big Decisions: When work is taking more than it gives, or you’re at a crossroads and need space to think, from burnout and pressure to career change.
Relationships, Separation and Divorce: Difficulties with partners, family, friends or colleagues, and the painful personal and logistical fallout when a relationship ends.
Bereavement, Grief, and Loss: Having worked as a specialist grief counsellor with Cruse, I provide a safe space to process deep bereavement and grief, as well as loneliness.
Trauma and Abuse: Working safely at your own pace with deep-seated trauma, the impact of childhood sexual abuse, and emotional or physical abuse.
Anger, Alcohol and Drug Use: Exploring what’s underneath overwhelming anger, difficult feelings, or patterns around alcohol and drugs, without judgement.
Suicidal Thoughts and Self-Harm: A place to talk openly about suicidal feelings or self-harm without being judged or rushed.
Distressing States of Mind: Offering a grounded sanctuary if you are experiencing terrifying or confusing states of mind, including psychosis and paranoia.

Specialist Communities

Alongside my general practice, my own life path means I bring unique, personal insight and insider knowledge to two very specific areas.

Creative & Theatre Professionals: Having spent 30 years working in the theatre industry, I understand the unique psychological pressures affecting actors, musicians, dancers, stage managers, directors and producers - including audition and performance anxiety, identity shifts, and irregular lifestyle cycles.
Boarding School Alumni & Survivors: I work extensively with adults navigating the distinct psychological legacy and "boarding school syndrome" caused by early separation and institutional survival strategies.

A Note on Neurodiversity, Autism, and ADHD Diagnoses

As a person-centred therapist, I am trauma-informed and work within a humanistic framework. This means that I do not assess or diagnose you, but I often work with those who already have a diagnosis of some sort, be that autism, ADHD or any ‘disorder’ which currently exists. I work with you as a unique individual, focusing on whatever you’d like to talk about. For some, that might include discussing what your diagnosis means to you, but equally, it might not be relevant to why you are seeking therapy at all. You take the lead.

Locations & Fees

I see clients throughout the UK and worldwide online or by phone and see clients in person at my home in Wallasey, next to Wallasey Grove Road Station. You can see what my home therapy room looks like at the bottom of this page. I also offer Walk and Talk therapy in my local park (weather permitting).

I offer complete flexibility in terms of length and frequency of appointments. I am happy to offer regular weekly sessions, but I also understand that a more flexible approach may be needed by some clients. We can therefore fit appointments around both of our schedules, holding sessions in person, online or over the phone. Session length can vary between 50 minutes and 2 hours (charged on a pro-rata basis).

I also see clients in Birkenhead, near Hamilton Square Station (at £75 an hour) and in central Liverpool within easy access of any of the four central Liverpool stations (at £90 an hour).

Safety First

As well as abiding by the BACP’s ethical framework, I am also a member of tPCA (the Person-Centred Association), which reflects my person-centred and humanistic way of working. I am also fully insured, hold a current DBS certificate and am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) as part of my legal requirement regarding General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

I have regular supervision and undertake continued personal and professional development. I have also had a great deal of my own therapy (and return to it when needed), because I believe the work a therapist does on themselves matters just as much as their training. Alongside my private practice, I also serve as a Trustee and Board Member for a registered mental health charity in Merseyside, making mental health care more accessible within the community.

Please give me a call for a free no-obligation chat on 07788 723570 or email me at martin@wirraltherapist.co.uk.