Michael Harland, BACP
Depth-focused therapist prioritising emotional insight
- Emotion-first approach
- Depth-oriented exploration
- Refers to CBT when needed
About Michael Harland
Michael Harland approaches talk therapy as a means to access deeper emotions rather than as an end in itself. He practices depth therapy, a style of work that places feeling ahead of thought and treats thinking in many cases as a defense against experiencing difficult emotions. This perspective contrasts with cognitive approaches that view thoughts as tools to manage or control feelings.
In his practice, Michael is attentive to when depth work is helpful and when it is not. He recognises that in moments of crisis, during active psychosis, or following extremely severe trauma, reinforcing psychological defenses can be more appropriate than immediately exploring the emotional unconscious. For those circumstances he recommends cognitive behavioural therapy - a different approach that focuses on practical skills and stabilisation. There are many excellent CBT therapists available on the platform.
For people outside of those higher-risk scenarios, Michael offers depth-focused work aimed at helping clients feel into and understand underlying emotional patterns. He attends to feeling as the pathway to change, helping clients uncover what underlies recurring difficulties and emotional pain. He looks forward to meeting anyone seeking deeper emotional exploration and support.
In his practice, Michael is attentive to when depth work is helpful and when it is not. He recognises that in moments of crisis, during active psychosis, or following extremely severe trauma, reinforcing psychological defenses can be more appropriate than immediately exploring the emotional unconscious. For those circumstances he recommends cognitive behavioural therapy - a different approach that focuses on practical skills and stabilisation. There are many excellent CBT therapists available on the platform.
For people outside of those higher-risk scenarios, Michael offers depth-focused work aimed at helping clients feel into and understand underlying emotional patterns. He attends to feeling as the pathway to change, helping clients uncover what underlies recurring difficulties and emotional pain. He looks forward to meeting anyone seeking deeper emotional exploration and support.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCancerChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTrichotillomaniaWorkplace issues
Therapeutic Approach
Mindfulness Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Michael Harland have?
Michael Harland has 5 years of experience.
Is Michael Harland a registered therapist?
Yes. He holds the BACP credential.
In which languages does Michael Harland provide therapy?
Therapy is provided in English.
Where is Michael Harland located?
He is located in the United Kingdom.
How can I work with Michael Harland as my therapist?
You can work with Michael Harland through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Michael Harland work with international clients?
Yes, Michael Harland works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Michael Harland cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be cancelled at any time, for any reason. For current details, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Just click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Online Mindfulness and Psychodynamic Work
Mindfulness Therapy involves cultivating present-moment awareness and gentle attention to thoughts, sensations, and emotions. It can help people reduce stress, manage anxiety, and develop new ways of responding to difficult internal experiences by building awareness and calm. Psychodynamic Therapy explores patterns that come from unconscious feelings and early experiences; it aims to bring those patterns into awareness so they can be understood and changed, which can support work on relationship issues, attachment concerns, and longstanding emotional difficulties.
Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Michael works collaboratively with each person to identify which methods fit their current needs, goals, and preferences, and he is willing to adjust the plan as the work unfolds so the client and therapist find the best fit together.
Online therapy with Michael is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for busy lives and for people living outside his immediate area. Working remotely makes it easier to attend sessions from home, during work breaks, or while travelling, and it allows access to registered professionals even when in-person options are limited.