Paul Butlin
COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY
Online therapy across the UK | Based in Manchester
With particular experience supporting LGBTQ+ clients and issues around identity and belonging
Welcome
I’m Paul (he him), I offer online counselling and psychotherapy for adults across the UK. I'm based in Manchester and work with a range of experiences including anxiety, relationships and life transitions, with particular experience supporting LGBTQ+ clients and issues around identity and belonging.
You might be feeling anxious, stuck, unsure about relationships, or questioning where you fit. Counselling is where we slow things down, explore what’s going on for you, and work towards change at your pace.
Why I might be the right therapist for you
Identity is something we all navigate at different points in life. You may not feel fully understood, questioning where you fit, or feeling unsure of yourself in ways that are hard to explain. Therapy is a space to reflect and make sense of how your experiences, relationships and past have shaped the way you see yourself now.
I have particular experience in LGBTQ+ counselling and supporting people who feel different in other ways, including neurodiversity, gender identity and disability. People often come to me feeling worn down by anxiety, low mood, past experiences, or the effort of trying to meet expectations.
My work is informed by both lived and professional experience. As a gay man who also lives with a disability, I understand how being seen as different can affect self-worth and belonging. It is what first brought me to this work.
How we’ll work together
I offer online counselling and psychotherapy for adults across the UK, working from Manchester.
I use a person-centred approach, which means we focus on what matters to you. We go at your pace and start with whatever feels most important.
Counselling sessions are a space to talk things through honestly. We can stay with what’s going on now, or reflect on the past if it feels relevant. Over time, things often start to make more sense, and you might notice what feels like it needs to shift.
Therapy does not have to feel heavy all the time. Sometimes there is room for a laugh too.
Experience
Qualifications
Registration
Counsellor, LGBT Foundation, Manchester, 2023-present
Youth Mentor, The Proud Trust, Manchester, 2022-2024
Postgraduate Diploma, Counselling and Psychotherapy (Professional Practice), Distinction, 2025
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), Registered Member MBACP: 414519
How it works
All counselling sessions are held online using video call, so you can attend from wherever feels most comfortable and private for you.
Sessions last 50 minutes
My standard fee is £60 per session
Weekly sessions are recommended, but we can discuss what works best for you
15-minute introductory chat
If you’re unsure about booking a full counselling session, you’re welcome to arrange a free 15-minute introductory call.
This is a chance to briefly meet, ask any questions you might have, and get a sense of whether working together feels right. There’s no pressure to decide anything straight away. Think of it as a vibe check.
Booking your first session
If you’d like to book a first session, you can do so using the form below.
Once you get in touch, I’ll reply to arrange next steps and answer any practical questions you may have.
What you can expect in your first session
Your first counselling session is a chance to get a feel for whether this space and this way of working suits you. There is no expectation to share everything or to start with the hardest parts.
We will talk about what has brought you here, what you are hoping for, and any questions or concerns you might have about therapy itself. We can take things slowly and focus on what feels manageable.
It is very common to feel unsure or nervous at first. You do not need to get it right or have the words ready. You just need to come as you are.
My sessions with Paul helped me put things into perspective, better understand some of my anxiety and thought patterns, and start practicing more compassion for myself.
Contact
Get in touch via the form to book a free 15 minute introductory chat, arrange your first counselling session or ask a question.
Some of your questions may already have been answered. Take a look at the FAQs to find out more about me and my practice.