Business Details
Your Trusted Counsellor in Colchester
M J P Counselling is a dedicated therapy practice based in Colchester, Essex, offering tailored support for individuals, couples, families, and adolescents aged 11-18. With 16 years of experience, the practice specialises in person-centred counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and emotionally focused therapy to address issues such as anxiety, anger management, relationship conflicts, and self-esteem challenges. The approach prioritises creating a non-judgmental, empathetic environment where clients can explore their emotions and develop practical strategies for personal growth. Mark Penfold, a registered member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP), combines professional expertise with a down-to-earth, accessible style to help clients navigate life's difficulties. The practice has successfully supported clients through crises, including toxic relationships, grief, and mental health struggles, fostering long-term positive change.Sessions are conducted in a relaxed, confidential setting, with flexible techniques adapted to individual needs, ensuring clients feel heard and empowered. The practices commitment to confidentiality, active listening, and evidence-based methods has earned consistent praise for transforming relationships and improving emotional well-being. Marks background includes 13 years as a school counsellor and work with a major charity, addressing adolescent anxiety, exam stress, and family dynamics. The practice also offers assertiveness coaching to help clients establish boundaries and reduce resentment caused by passive or aggressive communication patterns. By focusing on both immediate concerns and deeper emotional roots, M J P Counselling aims to facilitate sustainable personal development and healthier interpersonal connections.
Services
Couples Therapy
Adolescent Counselling
Family Therapy
Assertiveness Training
CBT Sessions
Highlights and features
- We offer 16 years of experience in person-centred and CBT therapy.
- Our approach combines empathy with practical strategies for sustainable change.
- We specialise in resolving relationship conflicts and family dynamics.
- Non-judgmental support for adolescents, couples, and individuals.
- Assertiveness coaching to establish healthy boundaries in relationships.
Associations and certifications
- British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)
What people say
Fantastic techniques
Non-judgmental approach
Helped us communicate
Saved our marriage
Great listener
Services
Couples Therapy
Emotionally focused therapy helps couples break destructive communication cycles by addressing underlying emotions. Sessions identify patterns like pursuit-withdrawal dynamics, fostering empathy and healthier interactions. Proven methods rebuild trust and resolve conflicts constructively.
Adolescent Counselling
Specialised support for ages 11-18 addresses anxiety, self-harm, and family conflicts. Techniques focus on identity development, exam stress management, and processing parental dynamics. Non-patronising approach empowers teens to navigate emotional challenges.
Family Therapy
Facilitates open communication to resolve intergenerational conflicts and improve dynamics. Sessions address blame patterns, ensuring all voices are heard while promoting emotional accountability and practical solutions for lasting harmony.
Assertiveness Training
Helps clients overcome passive/aggressive tendencies through scenario reframing. Develops confident communication strategies to establish boundaries, reduce resentment, and manage toxic relationships effectively in personal and professional contexts.
CBT Sessions
Targets irrational thought patterns using evidence-based techniques. Addresses black-and-white thinking and anxiety triggers, replacing destructive cycles with rational perspectives to improve emotional regulation and decision-making.
People
Mark Penfold
Counsellor
DCounsPsych-qualified therapist with 16 years of experience, specialising in person-centred therapy and CBT. BACP-registered expert in adolescent mental health, relationship counselling, and assertiveness training, combining empathy with practical solutions.
Questions
What types of therapy do you offer?
I provide person-centred counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and emotionally focused therapy for individuals, couples, families, and adolescents.
How experienced are you in relationship counselling?
With 16 years of experience, I specialise in resolving couple conflicts using emotionally focused therapy to break destructive communication patterns.
Can you help with adolescent anxiety issues?
Yes, I've worked with teenagers for 13 years, addressing anxiety, self-harm, and identity challenges through tailored, non-patronising therapeutic approaches.
What happens during a typical therapy session?
Sessions involve active listening, identifying emotional patterns, and developing practical strategies. I adapt techniques to your needs, whether addressing immediate concerns or deeper issues.
Do you offer online counselling sessions?
Yes, I provide flexible video sessions for clients unable to attend in person, maintaining the same empathetic, structured approach as face-to-face meetings.
