Shoreditch, London and online
Clinical psychologist helping men overcome stress, exhaustion and burnout
You're used to being the person other people rely on. I help you understand what's driving the pressure and do something practical about it, with the time and discretion your role needs.
Accepting new clients · online and in Shoreditch
Why this practice exists
You're the man everyone relies on. Sometimes you need a helping hand.
You're expected to stay steady, make the calls and keep going. This practice is here so you have someone in your corner when you need it.
Who I work with
Capable men who are running on reserve
Most of the men I work with are senior, busy and good at what they do. From the outside things look fine. Underneath, the pressure has started to cost them sleep, patience or the sense that they're enjoying the life they've built.
Many have never seen a psychologist before. They want someone who is direct, who explains what's going on in plain English, and who gets to something useful quickly. That's how I work.
Senior roles
Men in finance, technology and professional services, where the pressure is constant and switching off doesn't come easily.
Why work with me
Someone who understands burnout from the inside
As a man, I understand burnout from the inside, so I can offer a clear, structured way back to feeling like yourself again.
Made for first-timers
Most of the men I work with have never sat across from a therapist before. I know how to make that first step easy, not something you have to brace for.
A plan, not a template
I build a plan around what's actually driving your burnout, so you're not wasting time on advice that's already failed you.
Clinical depth
As a Clinical Psychologist, I'm trained to work with a wide range of difficulties, from stress and anxiety to the effects of difficult past experiences.
You'll see what's changing
We measure how things are going from the first session, so you can see for yourself whether it's helping.
Find your starting point
Not sure where to start? Two quick questions.
This suggests a sensible place to start. We confirm the right fit together on the free call.
Question 1 of 2
Which feels closest to where you are?
Question 2 of 2
How would you like to work?
A good place to start
How it works
A clear structure, built around you
Every piece of work starts with a proper assessment and a written plan. We use measures from the start, so you can see for yourself what is changing.
Assessment
A longer first session to understand what's going on, what keeps it going, and what you want to be different.
Your written plan
A short summary in plain English of what's driving things and what we've agreed to do. Yours to keep.
Focused sessions
Practical work using ACT and EMDR, with a summary and the tools we've used after each session.
Review
We check progress against your starting measures and finish with a plan for staying well.
What you receive
Your plan, in writing
After your assessment you get a short document in plain English. It sets out what's driving things, what keeps them going, and what we'll do about it. Here's an example of the format.
Illustrative example. Not a real client.
Dr Brett Hayes made me feel comfortable beyond anyone I have ever spoken with.
Assessment and therapy client
Try it now
A one-minute reset
This is the kind of practical skill we use in sessions. It's called 4-7-8 breathing. It won't fix everything, but a longer out-breath can help your body settle when your head is busy. Three rounds take about a minute.
A general exercise, not a substitute for therapy. If you feel light-headed, stop and breathe normally.
- Breathe in4Quietly through your nose, for a count of four.
- Hold7Hold your breath gently, for a count of seven.
- Breathe out8Slowly through your mouth, for a count of eight.
Ways to work together
Start with a conversation. Choose from there.
Therapy
Assessment, a written plan and focused 50-minute sessions, online or in Shoreditch.
The Stress Lab
Three 25-minute online sessions, a set of skills for stress, and your own plan to keep.
Talks and workshops
Practical sessions on stress, burnout and staying well under pressure, for leaders and their teams.
Honest about fit
I'd rather point you to the right option than the quickest one
It's better to be clear about fit up front. This practice is probably not right for you if:
- You need urgent or crisis support. Please use the contacts at the bottom of this page.
- You're looking for open-ended talking without a plan.
- You'd rather not try anything out between sessions.
If that's the case, I'm happy to suggest where else to look.
Discretion
Built for a full diary
The men I work with often hold responsibility for other people. Getting support shouldn't add to the load, so the practice is set up to be easy to fit in and private by default.
Early and late
Sessions from 7am to 8pm, Monday to Friday, so they can sit before, between or after work.
Online or in person
Online by Microsoft Teams wherever you are, or in person in Shoreditch on Thursday and Friday mornings.
Confidential
What you share stays between us, within the usual professional and legal limits that apply to all registered psychologists.
Insights
Recent writing
Next step
A private, no-obligation conversation
Book a free 20-minute consultation. We'll talk about what's going on and whether working together is the right fit. If it isn't, I'll say so.
Accepting new clients · online and in Shoreditch
What's been happening
Over the past year your role has grown and the pressure hasn't eased. Sleep is broken, it's hard to switch off, and weekends no longer feel like a break. Time off helps for a few days, then it comes back.
What keeps it going
- Staying "on" as a way of staying on top of things.
- Working longer when pressure rises, which leaves less time for what used to refuel you.
- Handling it alone, so nobody sees how much you're carrying.
What matters to you
- Being more present at home, not half there and still thinking about work.
- Weekends that feel like a break again.
- Doing well at work without it costing everything else.
- Making time for the things that used to refuel you.
What we'll work on
- Skills to step back from the thinking that keeps you switched on.
- A clear end to the working day that you actually keep.
- Making room again for what matters outside work, starting small.
How we'll know it's working
- Short questionnaires at the start, midway and at the end, so you can see what's changing in numbers.
- Everyday signs you choose, for example switching off by 7pm most evenings, or sleeping through more nights than not.
- A quick check-in at the start of each session.
Early signs to watch for
- Sleep slipping for more than a week.
- Dropping exercise or time with friends.
- Saying yes to everything.