Paul Butlin
COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY
Online counselling across the UK | Based in Manchester
Counselling for when you're feeling anxious, low, overwhelmed or unsure of yourself
Welcome
I'm Paul (he/him), I offer online counselling and psychotherapy for adults across the UK. Based in Manchester, I work with people who may be feeling anxious, low or unsure of themselves, with particular experience supporting LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent clients and those who have often felt different or misunderstood.
You might feel stuck, uncertain in your relationships, or as though life isn’t going quite the way you hoped. You don’t need to have worked out exactly why. Together, we can make sense of what’s going on and explore what might help.
What we might explore together
Below are some of the areas I often support clients with. Click on an icon to read more about how we might work together.
What has brought you here may not be included, and that does not mean I cannot help. We are all different, and our experiences do not always fit neatly into categories. Please still get in touch if you are struggling with something else.
It’s OK not to know
You might not really know what’s wrong or where to start. You may just know that you don’t feel quite like yourself, or that something isn’t quite right.
That’s enough to begin with. We can start there and see where things go.
Taking that first step
Starting counselling can feel like a big decision, particularly if you’re not sure what to expect. Even if you've had counselling before, it can be daunting to start with someone new.
My approach
My approach is person-centred, so the focus is on giving you space to talk and feel heard without judgement. I may ask questions, help you notice connections, or gently challenge you when it feels useful.
The space is yours to explore what has happened, how you feel now, and what you need from yourself going forward.
What might change?
Over time, counselling can help you to understand yourself a little better. Things that have felt confusing or difficult to put into words can start to make more sense, and we can explore how that affects you now and in the future.
About me
My experiences as a gay man with a disability are part of what led me to become a counsellor. I know what it can feel like to be seen as different or not fully understood. This is part of why I care about giving people space to talk openly and feel accepted as they are.
I work as a counsellor with LGBT Foundation in Manchester alongside private practice, and previously mentored LGBTQ+ young people through The Proud Trust. Alongside counselling, I also work in education.
I trained at the University of Salford, where I completed my Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy with Distinction. I am now working towards my Master’s.
I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (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 get in touch with me using the form below.
Once I hear from you, I’ll reply to arrange next steps and answer any practical questions you may have.
What happens at 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.