Michael Leunig, BACP

Michael Leunig is a counsellor and psychotherapist who trained at Salford University and holds BACP membership. He was born in Germany and brings six years of clinical experience to his work. Michael draws on his own journey through depression and anger to inform a compassionate, down-to-earth style.

He helps people who feel stuck after grief, trauma, divorce, or major life changes. Sessions focus on practical steps and noticing what already helps you. Michael believes clients hold many of their own answers and works alongside them to find ways forward.

His background includes teaching mindfulness to groups and therapists and training in clinical hypnotherapy. He has worked with the mental health charity Mind and supported workers through the Blue Lights scheme, including police and healthcare staff. He has also carried out work in NHS surgeries across the North of England using solution-focused methods.

In practice he blends client-centred listening with mindfulness, hypnotherapy techniques, and solution-focused strategies. This mix is used to address anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, anger, self-esteem, bereavement, and life transitions. Michael aims for clear, manageable steps rather than long lists of theory.

Sessions are offered in English and German and Michael accepts international clients. He currently runs a independent practice and also works as a mind coach for a local rugby league team. If someone prefers a practical, experience-informed counsellor, he may be a good match.

How Michael’s approaches translate to online therapy

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and understanding. The therapist offers a calm, accepting space and helps clients find their own solutions; this is useful for low mood, self-esteem and relationship concerns.

Mindfulness Therapy trains simple attention and breathing skills to reduce reactivity. It can help with stress, anxiety, panic and coping with chronic pain by teaching ways to notice thoughts and bodily sensations without getting swept up in them.

Finding the right approach is part of the work and Michael treats that as a collaborative process. He will discuss goals, preferences and things that have helped before, then try methods that suit the person. Sessions can shift over time as needs change, combining listening, mindfulness exercises and brief solution-focused planning.

Confirm the specific online session options before booking, as the biography does not list exact formats. Online therapy can make it easier to fit counselling into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Registered or accredited professionals often use remote work to help clients keep momentum between sessions and apply new skills in day-to-day life.