I’m a doctor and psychotherapist with a deep passion for helping individuals navigate their inner worlds and find healing. Using the Conversational Model of Psychotherapy and Internal Family Systems Therapy, I offer online psychotherapy with a focus on creating a safe, compassionate space where you can explore and connect with the different parts of yourself.
Originally raised in Scotland, my journey has taken me across the globe, living in diverse cultures and embracing new perspectives. I believe that every person carries a unique story, and my goal is to help you uncover yours with empathy, curiosity, and creativity.
Kia Ora, I’m Mike
Tēnei au, ko Mike tōku ingoa.
Ko Bennachie te maunga.
Ko Thames te awa.
Nō Ranana ahau.
Ko Billingsley tōku whānau.
Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa
I integrate a range of therapeutic approaches to meet your needs
Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma, or simply a deeper understanding of yourself, I'm here to guide you on your journey. I strive to make you feel heard, understood, and supported as you work through life's challenges.
Outside of therapy I spend my time exploring nature, meditating and writing poetry. Currently based in New Zealand, I continue to blend my professional expertise with my love for adventure, helping clients from all walks of life connect with their true selves.
I look forward to walking alongside you on your path to self-discovery and growth.
-
Sessions are about an hour long and are held over Zoom. I'll start by asking some questions to understand your background, concerns, and goals for therapy. We will then start gradually unpacking your thoughts, feelings and emotions through conversation over several weekly sessions.
The aim is to create a secure, empathic connection that helps you reconnect with your sense of self, allowing for a deeper experience of freedom, emotional vitality, and aliveness.
-
I work with individuals aged 18 to 50 who are navigating upheaval, discomfort, distress, or complex changes. This may manifest as anxiety, depression, or other diagnoses related to single or multiple traumatic experiences. I do not currently work with clients experiencing addiction, psychosis or those under the Mental Health Act, primarily due to concerns around safety and the level of care I can provide as a solo practioner using Telehealth.
-
100%. What you say in therapy is absolutely confidential. I am bound by ethical, legal and my own personal standards to keep what you share private.
There are exceptions in cases of potential harm to yourself or others, where I might need to break confidentiality. If this occurs I will inform you and explain clearly my reasoning as to why.
-
Kāore anō au kia kōrero Māori. However, I strive to uphold the principles of manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga in my mahi with my Māori whānau. In therapy, we will explore our sense of self and wairua by deepening our connection to whānau, community, and the whenua.
-
"I can only be alone in so far as I can be together with another. I can only be together in so far as I can stand alone." - Robert Hobson
Here is the paradox of aloneness-togetherness - the idea that we can be connected and alone at the same time. Our work together will be less about fixing specific problems and more about creating a shared understanding so the self can emerge. This relational experience of being together but apart is based on attachment theory and plants the seeds for a more connected and integrated sense of self.
Diploma in the Conversational Model of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy – ANZAP - PBANZ interim psychotherapist scope of practice
IFS Level 1 - Trainee
Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene – London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 2018
MBBS – St George’s, University of London, 2017
BSc (Hons) in Human Anatomy – University of Glasgow, 2012
Employment History
Over the last decade I have worked in a range of healthcare settings, both in New Zealand and the UK, as well as internationally through internships in Africa, Asia, and South America. Currently, I’m a psychiatry registrar and a private psychotherapist. Before this, I practiced general adult psychiatry in the NHS. Please note - I do not offer any psychiatric or medical services.