Personal Therapy for Trainee Counsellors
Personal Therapy During Your Counselling Training
Personal therapy is an important part of most counselling training. Whilst it may begin as a course requirement, many trainees discover it becomes one of the most valuable parts of their professional and personal development.
I offer personal therapy for trainee and newly qualified counsellors at a reduced rate of £40 per 50-minute session, available online across the UK and in person in Manchester.
Not Sure if I'm the Right Fit?
Finding the right therapist is important, particularly during your counselling training.
Before booking, you're very welcome to arrange a free 30-minute telephone or online conversation. It's an opportunity for us to introduce ourselves, talk about what you're looking for, discuss your course requirements, and decide whether working together feels like the right fit.
There's no obligation to book a session afterwards—sometimes that conversation alone is enough to help you decide what feels right.
→ Arrange a Free 30-Minute Conversation
If you'd like to arrange a free 30-minute conversation, or simply have a question about personal therapy during your training, I'd be happy to hear from you.
Why Personal Therapy Matters
Training to become a counsellor isn't only about learning theory or developing skills.
It's also about understanding yourself.
Personal therapy offers a confidential space to explore your own experiences, develop greater self-awareness, reflect on your client work, and experience therapy from the client's perspective.
Many trainees find it helps them become more confident, more authentic and more comfortable sitting with uncertainty—both inside and outside the therapy room.
Suitable For
Level 2 and Level 3 counselling students
Level 4 Diploma trainees
Degree and MSc counselling students
Newly qualified counsellors
Therapists returning to practice
What I Offer
50-minute sessions
£40 per session
Online throughout the UK
In-person sessions in Manchester
Integrative approach
Reduced trainee rate
Confirmation of attendance where required for your training provider
Areas We Might Explore
There is no expectation that therapy focuses on your training.
Sessions can explore whatever feels important to you, including:
Personal experiences
Relationships
Confidence
Anxiety
Grief and loss
Identity
Burnout
Self-doubt
Life transitions
Or simply provide a regular space to reflect and think.
About Me
I'm Stuart Walker, an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist based in Manchester.
Alongside private practice, I have extensive experience supporting people bereaved by suicide and currently work primarily with men, fathers, grief, neurodivergence and life transitions.
I'm also completing an MSc in Psychotherapy and Counselling, so I understand many of the challenges that counselling trainees experience during training.
Interested in the wider trainee resources?
Explore the Me In Time Resource Library for free articles, therapeutic tools, recommended reading and practical reflections designed to support trainee and newly qualified counsellors.
→ Explore the Resource Library
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this count towards my personal therapy hours?
Yes. Where required, I am happy to provide confirmation of attendance for your course provider.
Do you offer online sessions?
Yes. I work online across the UK as well as in person in Manchester.
How many sessions do I need?
This depends entirely on your course requirements and your own preferences.
Can I speak to you before booking?
Yes. I offer a free 30-minute telephone or online conversation so we can discuss your training requirements and decide whether we're the right fit.
Do I need to be studying in Manchester?
No. I work with trainee counsellors throughout the UK online.
If you're looking for personal therapy as part of your counselling training, or simply have a question about whether I might be the right therapist for you, I'd be happy to hear from you.