Counselor, Life Coach, Psychotherapist and Therapist

(MA, MBACP and MNCPS)
John

Counselor, Life Coach, Psychotherapist and Therapist

(MA, MBACP and MNCPS)

A Thoughtful, Individualised Approach to Therapy and Coaching

 

Reaching out for support can be a significant and often vulnerable step. Whether you’re facing emotional challenges, relationship difficulties, professional pressures, or something harder to define, I offer a grounded, compassionate space where you can begin to explore what’s going on and what’s possible.

 

My work is always led by empathy, acceptance, and respect for your unique experience. I take a thoughtful and flexible approach, tailoring our sessions to how you best process, reflect, and grow. Whether you’re looking for deep therapy or forward-focused coaching, you’ll be met with care and professionalism.

 

How I Work

 

I practise as an integrative therapist, drawing from a wide range of therapeutic models to meet your individual needs. My core training is person-centred (Humanistic), which places the relationship at the heart of our work. I also hold qualifications in low-intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and mental health assessment, gained through the University of Exeter.

 

Depending on what feels most helpful to you, I may also incorporate elements such as:

Gestalt therapy

Transactional Analysis

Psychodynamic theory

Solution-Focused Therapy

Motivational Interviewing

Internal Family Systems

Mindfulness and Positive Psychology

Our work will evolve based on your goals, preferences, and personal style.

 

A Broader Perspective

 

Before becoming a therapist, I worked in business change consultancy, finance, entrepreneurship, and education. These experiences continue to inform my coaching work and add practical insight when supporting clients with stress, leadership challenges, or decision-making.

 

I hold a Master of Arts from Clare College, University of Cambridge, and completed postgraduate study at UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society, where I focused on child development through to adulthood, special educational needs, and neurodiversity.

 

Experience Across Sectors

 

I’ve worked in a range of therapeutic environments, including:

NHS – South London and Maudsley Trust

Private medical insurance providers

Corporate mental health programmes

Voluntary and third-sector organisations

Private practice

This breadth helps me meet clients from all walks of life with insight, flexibility, and deep care.

 

Let’s Work Together

 

Whether you’re seeking psychotherapy, coaching, or a blend of both, I offer a space where you can feel understood, supported, and empowered to move forward.

If you’d like to know more, please get in touch to arrange a free 15-minute consultation.

Practice Details
Session Fee
£75 GBP
$126915 ARS $154 AUD $560 BRL $138 CAD €86 EUR ₹8640 INR $1884 MXN $169 NZD £75 GBP ₴4214 UAH $101 USD
Languages
English
Therapy Format
Individuals and Couples
Age
Adults (20 to 64) and Seniors (65+)
Genders
Men, Women, Transgender and Non-Binary
Faith
Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism and Nonreligious
Sexuality
Hetero, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and LGBTQ+
Communities
Bisexual Allied, Gay Allied, HIV / AIDS Allied, Immune-disorders, Queer Allied, Lesbian Allied, Non-Binary Allied, Open Relationships, Racial Justice Allied, Sex Addiction Allied, Sex-Positive, Kink Allied, Sex Worker Allied, Single Mother, Transgender Allied and Body Positivity
Accepting clients
Online and In-person
Free Initial Consultation
Work & Education
Years in Practice
3 years
Education
  • Exeter University in 2023
  • CPCAB L4 - Elect Training in 2024
  • Clare College, University of Cambridge in 1989
Experience
  • Counsellor - John Ridley Therapy (2024)
  • Counsellor - Positive East (2022)
Certificates
  • MBACP certificate since 2024
  • MNCPS Acc. certificate since 2025
License and State
No licence in UK but regulation is via the accredited registers of BACP and NCPS - I am on both registers
Specialties
Coaching
Cognitive Behavioural (CBT)
Eclectic
Emotionally Focused
Exposure Response Prevention
Family Systems
Gestalt
Goal-Based therapy
Humanistic
Integrative
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
Motivational Interviewing
Person-Centered
Positive Psychology
Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
Issues
Addiction
ADHD
Adoption
Agoraphobia
Alcohol Use
Anger Management
Antisocial Personality
Anxiety
Asperger's Syndrome
Autism
Behavioral Issues
Betrayal
Burnout
Business Problems
Career Counseling
Chronic Illness
Chronic Impulsivity
Chronic Relapse
Codependency
Communication Skills
Conflicts
Coping Skills
Decision Making
Depression
Divorce
Domestic Abuse
Domestic Violence
Drug Abuse
Fears and Phobias
Grief
Hoarding
Infidelity
Internet Addiction
Jealousy
Life Coaching
Life Transitions
Loneliness
Marital and Premarital
Men's Issues
Midlife Crisis
Money Problems
Mood Disorders
Obesity
Obsessive Behavior
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Panic Attacks
Parenting
Peer Relationships
Relationship Issues
School Issues
Self Esteem
Self-Harming
Sexual Addiction
Sleep or Insomnia
Stress
Substance Use Disorder
Understanding Desires
Video Game Addiction
Wellness Mindfulness Resiliency training
Address
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If you are considering psychotherapy but do not know where to start, a free initial consultation is the perfect first step. It will allow you to explore your options, ask questions, and feel more confident about taking the first step towards your well-being.

It is a 30-minute, completely free meeting with a Mental Health specialist that does not obligate you to anything.

What are the benefits of a free consultation?

Who is a free consultation suitable for?

Important:

Potential benefits of a free initial consultation

During this first session: potential clients have the chance to learn more about you and your approach before agreeing to work together.

Offering a free consultation will help you build trust with the client. It shows them that you want to give them a chance to make sure you are the right person to help them before they move forward. Additionally, you should also be confident that you can support your clients and that the client has problems that you can help them cope with. Also, you can avoid any ethical difficult situations about charging a client for a session in which you choose not to proceed based on fit.

We've found that people are more likely to proceed with therapy after a free consultation, as it lowers the barrier to starting the process. Many people starting therapy are apprehensive about the unknown, even if they've had sessions before. Our culture associates a "risk-free" mindset with free offers, helping people feel more comfortable during the initial conversation with a specialist.

Another key advantage for Specialist

Specialists offering free initial consultations will be featured prominently in our upcoming advertising campaign, giving you greater visibility.

It's important to note that the initial consultation differs from a typical therapy session:

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