Michael Rankin

Michael Rankin is a counsellor registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, with three years of professional experience in the United Kingdom. He helps people who are feeling stressed, anxious or low. He also supports those coping with life changes and family difficulties, including grief and relationship tensions.

He aims to create an open, non-judgemental space where people can talk through thoughts and feelings. Sessions focus on understanding what is causing distress now and on practical steps to feel better. Michael works at a steady pace that matches each person's needs.

His background includes work supporting people with confidence and self-esteem issues, and with problems around motivation and depression. He has also helped clients who are dealing with isolation and loneliness and with social anxiety or phobias. This experience shapes how he listens and plans the work together.

Michael is aware that changes such as becoming a parent, facing fertility challenges, or shifting work roles can be unsettling. He can help people sort priorities, rebuild routines and manage difficult emotions that come with these transitions. Practical coping strategies are offered alongside time to reflect.

People who come for help are invited to set clear goals and check progress as therapy continues. The emphasis is on supportive, steady work that helps people regain confidence and clearer direction. To begin, people choose a Start Therapy button and complete a short matching questionnaire before scheduling.

How evidence-based approaches translate to online therapy

Two evidence-based techniques often used in short-term work are problem-focused talking and practical coping strategies. Problem-focused talking involves identifying the specific situations that cause stress or anxiety and then breaking them down into manageable steps to reduce their impact. Practical coping strategies include simple daily routines, breathing or grounding exercises and planning small behavioural changes to build confidence.

Another helpful approach is structured reflection, which guides people to notice unhelpful thought patterns and test them against real-life evidence. This can be useful for social anxiety, obsessive thoughts and feelings of isolation because it encourages small experiments and clearer thinking about challenges.

Finding the best approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each person to choose methods that fit their goals and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress is reviewed. Clients are involved in setting aims and deciding what feels most useful.

The biography does not list specific online session formats, so please confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, for example by reducing travel time or allowing a shorter check-in during a break. It can also suit people who prefer not to be on camera every week or who need flexible scheduling.