Professional Psychotherapy & Counselling in Manchester
Feeling overwhelmed, depressed or stuck? Work with Ian Watts Counselling to rediscover the joy and fulfillment you deserve in life.
How Can I Help?
Depression.
Depression often brings feelings of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, or worthlessness, making it hard to enjoy life. Through therapy, we’ll address these feelings, build coping skills, and help you reconnect with hope and joy.
Anxiety.
Anxiety is a common experience, but when it becomes overwhelming, it can leave you feeling stuck and unable to cope. By exploring what’s causing your anxiety we can develop practical strategies to help you regain control
BEREAVEMENT & loss.
Experiencing loss can leave you feeling adrift, overwhelmed, or struggling to cope. Together, we can explore your feelings, navigate the complexities of grief, and work toward finding balance and healing in your own time.
Self Critical Thoughts.
Do you find yourself stuck in self-critical thoughts, always feeling like you’re not good enough — no matter how hard you try?
A lack of self-compassion can quietly shape how we relate to ourselves, affecting our confidence, relationships, and overall well-being. Together, we’ll explore the roots of your inner critic, and begin to build a more kind, understanding relationship with yourself.
DISABILITY.
A new physical disability can feel overwhelming, bringing significant changes and questions about the future. As someone with lived experience following an accident, I understand the profound impact this can have on daily life and emotional well-being.
Drawing on both my personal journey and professional training, I provide tailored therapy to help you explore this new situation.
Men.
I specialise in working with men’s mental health, helping clients navigate societal pressures, emotional struggles, and the unspoken weight of “just getting on with it.”
I’ve also worked with women in domestic abuse and trauma services, supporting them in reclaiming their strength and sense of self after deep pain and loss. While I work with clients of all genders, I understand the unique struggles men often face in opening up and seeking help.
Hi, I’m Ian Watts
… a friendly qualified BACP registered therapist with diverse experience based in Chorlton, Manchester and UK wide online.
I’m also a partner, a father, and someone who knows firsthand that life can take unexpected turns.
Alongside my private counselling practice, I work for a mental health charity, supporting individuals through some of their most difficult and vulnerable times. My own experiences with loss, serious accidents, and infertility have deeply shaped how I relate to others — with empathy, honesty, and a belief in people’s capacity to heal.
I know therapy isn’t just about easing pain. It’s about helping you reconnect with yourself, rediscover hope, and find meaning in the face of life’s challenges.
A person-centred approach
As an integrative therapist with a strong grounding in humanistic principles, my approach is flexible and tailored to you. 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, not directive.
Depending on your needs, I may draw on a range of approaches — including CBT, psychodynamic, and compassion-focused techniques — but always with a focus on helping you better understand yourself and find your own path forward.
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
