JPL Counselling — Counselling in Manchester for when life feels heavy

This might sound familiar

Life is simple when you stop fighting who you are. Let's get you back to basics.

Most people come to JPL Counselling because their life has become a tangled knot of 'what-ifs,' old habits, and the heavy feeling of not being themselves. You're likely exhausted — exhausted from overanalysing every text, every choice, and every mistake you think you've made.

You might feel like you're drifting through a life that doesn't actually belong to you, or like you're wearing a mask just to "fit in" with people who don't truly see you anyway.

Whether you're feeling like the odd one out or carrying a weight of shame that makes you want to hide, I want you to know this: JPL Counselling is the place where you can finally stop performing.

We don't just talk about the weight you're carrying — we work together to put it down.

Here's how we get you back to the simple version of yourself:

You set the pace.

This is a judgment-free zone. You can say the things you've been keeping secret and be exactly who you are, edges and all. That's the Person-Centred part — you are the expert on your life; I'm just here to help you find the map.

ii.

We give you the tools.

We won't just "talk" about feeling bad. We use CBT to get into the mechanics of your brain. We'll identify those thoughts that keep you spiraling and give you actual, practical ways to shut them down so you can breathe again.

If you don't like how things are going, you have the power to change them. You don't need to be "fixed" because you aren't broken — you're just cluttered.

Let's clear the noise, drop the baggage, and get you back to the simple version of yourself.

What I help with

A wide range of things, actually.

After years of practice, I've worked with people through most of what life can throw at you. If what you're going through isn't on this list, it doesn't mean I can't help — just drop me a message and we can chat about it.

Anxiety & panic attacks

Depression & low mood

Grief, loss & bereavement

Break-ups & relationships

Stress & burnout

Self-esteem & confidence

Family difficulties

Life transitions

Sexuality & identity

Work & career worries

Retirement adjustment

Feeling lost or stuck

Jamie Longson
BACP-registered counsellor

About Jamie

Not a suit. Not a stereotype. Just someone who'll actually listen.

I'm Jamie — a BACP-registered counsellor, dad of two young boys, proud Mancunian, and forever optimistic about my football team. When I'm not in the therapy room, I'm running around after my kids, making the school run by the skin of my teeth, or cheering from the stands.

My background in sport science and sport psychology shapes how I work. I'll help you spot patterns, set goals that are actually realistic, and celebrate the small wins — because the small wins are what change things.

I blend person-centred therapy (a warm, non-judgemental space where you feel heard) with CBT (practical tools to understand and shift unhelpful thinking). Sometimes I'll guide; sometimes I'll follow your lead. Always, it's your space.

My promise: to listen without judgement, to tailor our work to your story, and to keep learning so I can give you the best possible support.

BACP Registered ACTO Member Online Training Certified 10+ years' experience

How this works

Three steps. That's it.

Reaching out to a counsellor can feel like a bigger step than it needs to be. Here's exactly what happens, so there are no surprises.

You get in touch

Drop me an email or text. Tell me as much or as little as you like — even "I don't know where to start" is a perfectly good place to start.

We have a free chat

A 15-minute call, no obligation. I'll answer your questions, you'll get a feel for me, and we'll see if it's a fit. If it's not, I'll happily point you elsewhere.

We start working together

Weekly 60-minute sessions — face-to-face in Chorlton, over the phone, or online. You decide how many sessions; there's no minimum commitment.

The practical stuff

Fees, location, availability.

£55

per 60-minute session

Plus: a free 15-minute intro call

No obligation. No awkwardness if you decide it's not for you. Bank transfer is my preferred payment method. 24-hour cancellation policy applies.

Where we can meet

In person: My therapy room at Trafalgar House, 5–7 High Lane, Chorlton, Manchester M21 9DJ. Close to Wythenshawe, Altrincham, Sale, Stockport, Didsbury, and the city centre.

Remote: Phone or online — available UK-wide.

When

I offer weekly sessions on a schedule that fits your life. Evening slots are available. You decide how many sessions you need — there's no minimum commitment.

All enquiries answered within 48 hours.

Some weeks feel heavier than you can carry alone.