Individual Counselling and Psychotherapy in Milton Keynes
Counselling that works with your mind and your body – with particular experience helping men and people under pressure at work.
Psychotherapeutic Counselling for individuals in Milton Keynes and online
Welcome to Three Oaks Therapy
If you’re running on empty — stressed, anxious, or unable to switch off even when you finally stop — you’re not alone, and there’s nothing wrong with you.
Often what's happening is simpler than it feels: your body has its own ways of trying to keep you safe, and sometimes it gets stuck "switched on" — the racing mind, the constant alertness, the exhaustion. Other times it works the other way, and you find yourself "checked out" — pulling back, going quiet, wanting to disappear from everyone and everything. Either way, it's a nervous system working overtime, not a personal failing.
I'm Martin. In our sessions we won't just talk about what's troubling you — we'll also gently help your body learn that it's safe to settle. As that happens, it gets easier to think clearly, sleep better, and feel connected to the people around you again.
Before counselling, I spent years working in IT, so I know first-hand the pressure modern life and work can put on a person. I offer a safe, judgement-free space for anyone — with particular experience supporting men, who often find it hardest to reach out.
I work one-to-one with individuals — this isn't something I offer as couples or family counselling. But if you're navigating relationship difficulties on your own, that's very much something we can explore together.
We can meet in person or online, whichever feels more comfortable.
Wondering if counselling might help? You’re welcome to book a free 20-minute chat, online or in person. No commitment – just a conversation to see if we’re a good fit.
★★★★★ Rated 5.0 on Google from 19 reviews – read them here
How can counselling help?
Counselling gives you a confidential space to slow down and make sense of what’s going on. Together we look at the patterns that keep you stuck and find practical ways to change them, at a pace that feels right for you.
What is Pluralistic Counselling?
I’m trained in pluralistic counselling, which means there’s no one-size-fits-all method. We draw on different approaches and choose together what works best for you, because you’re the expert on your own life.
Understanding Your Nervous System with Polyvagal Theory
Stress can leave your body stuck on high alert or shut down and running on empty. Drawing on Polyvagal Theory (Stephen Porges), we work out what your nervous system is doing and help it settle, so you can feel calmer, think more clearly and connect more easily.
Working with me
My goal is to help you achieve lasting mental health by understanding and overcoming the challenges you face. I am Pluralistically trained and Polyvagal-informed, which means I have a flexible, evidence-based approach tailored to your individual needs, all while upholding the high standards of The National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society.
In our safe and confidential sessions, we'll explore your experiences together. I believe in a unified approach where I work alongside you, offering guidance and support without dictating your path. You are the authority on your own experience, and my role is to help you uncover your inner resources and make positive changes.
To support your journey, I draw on a range of approaches to help you make sense of your emotions and support nervous system regulation, choosing together what fits you best.
Person-Centred Therapy
Polyvagal-Informed Therapy
Transactional Analysis (TA)
CBT and REBT
Parts Work
Mindfulness and somatic tools
Issues I can help with
Counselling can help with a variety of difficulties that you may be facing.
I work with individuals, so the list below reflects what you might bring to one-to-one sessions — including relationship difficulties you're working through on your own.
Depression
Anxiety
Stress
Loss
Bereavement
Abuse
Relationships
Men's Mental Health
Confidence
Self esteem
Anger management
Panic attacks
Addiction
Regulation
If you don’t see the issue that you are struggling with listed above, please contact me to see if we can work together.
About Me
My journey to becoming a counsellor began in a surprising place: nearly 20 years in IT leadership. The part of the job I valued most was coaching and mentoring colleagues, and over time I realised I wanted to help people on a more personal level.
I left the corporate world to study psychology and counselling, and qualified as a Psychotherapeutic Counsellor in 2022. Working at Northamptonshire Mind, volunteering, and my role as a Learning Support Assistant in a special educational needs school have all deepened my understanding of how differently people experience the world, and what helps them feel safe enough to change.
I have been in private practice since 2022. I’m an NCPS Accredited Counsellor and a Polyvagal-Informed Practitioner, which means our work pays attention to your body as well as your thoughts and feelings. Together we create a space where your nervous system can begin to settle.
Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, low mood, past experiences that still affect you, or simply want to understand yourself better, I’m here to support you towards healing and resilience.
Qualifications and Credentials
- Dip CST & Prof.DipPsy.C as a qualified & accredited level 5 professional Psychotherapeutic Counselling.
- Aim Q level 4 Diploma in Counselling
- Aim RQF level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
- Polyvagal-Informed Practitioner
- Safe & Sound Protocol Training, in person and online
- Cert.HypCs. Qualified and accredited Hypnotherapist
- Diploma in Parts therapy Negotiation
- Remote Facilitation Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling
- Certificate in Awareness of Men's Mental Health Problems (L2)
- Certificate in Understanding Autism (L2)
- Certificate in Children and Young People's Mental Health (L2)
- Diploma in Counselling Children and Young People (CPD Certificate)
- Enhanced DBS checked
- Safeguarding
Testimonials
Contact, Location and Fees
Counselling:
Free initial consultation: A no-obligation conversation to discuss your needs and see if we're a good fit.
Session fee: £60 — This is my standard rate for a 55-minute session, in-person or online.
Reduced fees: I offer a limited number of lower-cost sessions for those who are unwaged or on a low income. Please get in touch to discuss what's possible.
Location
I work from a private and comfortable practice room at my home, in Broughton Gate, near Milton Keynes, just 5 minutes from the M1. Clients can work with me online, or from the surrounding areas, such as Bedford, Northampton, Silverstone, Buckingham, Luton, Leighton Buzzard, Towcester. There is parking outside my practice and the bus stop is a 5 minute walk away.
More specific location details will be provided when you book your first session with me.
Start your journey to a happier, healthier you – learn how
counselling can support you in overcoming challenges and reaching your goals by sending me a message.
We can then book a consultation, which enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
You can also call me on 07368 155 826 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first.
I’m not able to respond to messages urgently. If you’re in crisis, please call NHS 111 (option 2 for mental health), contact Samaritans free on 116 123, or call 999 in an emergency.