Professional therapy & Counselling in Stretford, Manchester
Struggling with the unspoken weight of ‘just getting on with it’? Professional therapy to help you regain control and rediscover purpose.
How Can I Help?
MEN.
Society often tells men to go it alone, but silent struggle rarely works. Using a blend of practical tools (CBT) and deep understanding, I help you understand what drives your stress, regain control, and build resilience so you can stop just surviving and start living.
ANXIETY
When anxiety becomes overwhelming, it leaves you feeling stuck and unable to cope. By exploring the root causes of your worry, we will develop practical strategies to help you break the cycle and regain your calm.
TRAUMA & RECOVERY
Drawing on extensive experience in specialist trauma services, I offer a secure space to process deep pain. You don’t have to carry that weight forever; we will work at your pace to help you reclaim your safety, strength, and sense of self.
SELF-CRTICAL THOUGHTS
If you feel like you are never ‘good enough,’ we can change that script. We will explore the roots of your inner critic and use compassion-focused techniques to build a kinder, more confident relationship with yourself.
DISABILITY.
A new disability brings profound changes and questions about the future. Drawing on my own lived experience of serious accidents, I understand the impact this has on daily life. I provide tailored support to help you navigate this new reality and find your path forward.
DEPRESSION
Depression can make life feel heavy and joyless, making it hard to find motivation. Through therapy, we will address these feelings of hopelessness, build effective coping skills, and help you reconnect with a sense of purpose.
Hi, I’m Ian Watts
I am a BACP-registered therapist based in Stretford/Chorlton, working with clients across Manchester and online throughout the UK. Beyond the qualifications, I am a partner, a father, and someone who knows firsthand that life doesn’t always go to plan.
Experience & Approach Alongside my private practice, I work within a mental health charity, supporting individuals through their most vulnerable moments. My own experiences with loss, serious accidents, and infertility have profoundly shaped how I work. I don’t just offer textbook empathy; I offer an honest belief in your capacity to recover because I have navigated that path myself.
Therapy isn’t just about easing pain. It is about helping you reconnect with your purpose, build resilience, and find meaning in the face of life’s challenges.
A person-centred approach
As a therapist with a firm grounding in relationship principles, I work with each client in a flexible, tailored way. I believe that lasting change begins with an authentic therapeutic relationship — one built on empathy, trust, and respect.
At the heart of my practice is the person-centred approach: the belief that you are the expert in your own life. I’m here to walk alongside you, helping you explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a way that feels supportive rather than directive.
I don’t use a ‘one-size-fits-all’ script. I blend practical tools (CBT) with a deep understanding (Psychodynamic) to fit your unique needs.
Take the first step toward a brighter future today. Reach out to schedule an initial free 20-minute telephone session.
My services
Face to Face Therapy
Coaching Service
Training & Workshops
