Counselling Approach

Photo of Martin Rigby standing in the garden. Photo of a beautiful sunset.
“People are just as wonderful as sunsets if you let them be. When I look at a sunset, I don’t find myself saying, “Soften the orange a bit on the right hand corner.” I don’t try to control a sunset. I watch with awe as it unfolds.”

Carl R. Rogers

Experienced, qualified and registered person-centred counsellor working in Preston Ashton-in-Makerfield, Hindley, Leigh and Wigan.

I am friendly, warm and caring, do not give direct advice or judge you. I provide a safe, supportive and welcoming environment where you are invited to be yourself and explore your personal issues in your own time, in your own way and at your own pace.

Working in private practice in Preston, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Hindley, Leigh and Wigan I aim to reach out to different client groups including those people who often find it hard to access mainstream public services. I counsel people of all ages, cultures and social backgrounds including adults, young people, older people and couples.

Due to my own life experiences I also specialise in counselling:

  • People with disabilities or longterm health conditions
  • Carers
  • Students
  • Parents with young families

To read more about me, my qualifications and experience, please click the following About Me link.

About Me
“I work with the whole person, not just the issues you bring”

Counselling is a type of talking therapy which enables you to talk about thoughts, feelings and personal issues in a private, confidential and regular environment. Whether you wish to access my counselling service face-to-face, by email, phone or online, I will work with you in a client-focused way

  • Understanding your experiences from your point of view
  • Positively valuing you as a whole person
  • Responding to you openly and genuinely

In my experience therapy is not a ‘one size fits all’ activity. I believe everyone has a unique set of challenges. I work with the whole person, not just the issues you bring. This means that what you choose to discuss during counselling sessions is entirely your choice and will always be treated in the strictest confidence.

Due to the fact that I process personal client information I am required by law to be registered with the Information Commissioners Office (ICO).

PDF ICO Registration Certificate

This means I comply with the Data Protection Act 1998 and all client information is kept confidentially and stored securely.

If you decide to come and see me for counselling you will find that my counselling approach is:

  • Accessible
  • Confidential
  • person-centred

How can counselling help?

Do you have a disability and need help understanding the impact on your personal and professional life?

Are you a carer who could benefit from some “you time” and a listening ear?

Do you experience mental health issues and would like a safe space to feel heard and understood?

Counselling can help with a wide range of issues including anxiety, bereavement, depression, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties and mental health issues. To view the full list of issues I work with you can read my profile on the Counselling Directory.

Counselling Directory

Seeing a counsellor can often be effective with concerns that are big or small, past, present or future. Counselling may also be useful in enabling you to:

  • Find some essential ‘you time’.
  • Build your inner confidence and self-esteem.
  • Gain a better understanding of your thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
  • Manage your anger, fears, panic attacks and stress.
  • Explore your experiences of change, loss and transition.
  • Discuss relationship difficulties or concerns from home, school or work life.
  • Make important life decisions.
  • Learn relaxation strategies.
  • Work through trauma and heal childhood issues.
  • Set future goals.

Open the door to a new start

Photo of Martin Rigby opening the door counselling room.

Whether or not you have had counselling before I fully understand that taking this first step to get the help and support you need may feel challenging, daunting, scary and perhaps at times overwhelming. That’s why I will do everything I can to help you feel welcome and comfortable.

Other benefits of having counselling could be to help you to:

  • Open the door to a new start.
  • Provide the key to making positive changes in your life.
  • Identify different coping strategies.

Whether the issues you are experiencing are big or small, past, present or future, if they are affecting the balance of your life, work and relationships then I believe they really matter and are worth doing something about.

I offer flexible daytime and evening appointments and a free 30 minutes initial appointment with no obligation to continue counselling. To discuss your needs, to find out if counselling may be suitable for you or to book a free 30 minutes initial appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact me and I will be more than happy to help.

Contact Me
“I’m not here to give direct advice or judge you.”

Remember my door is always open

If you would like to find out more about what counselling is and how I can help you please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Contact Me

Availability & Locations

Preston: Mondays and Tuesdays 9am-6.30pm, Wednesdays 9am-4pm

Wigan: Thursdays 9am-6.30pm, Fridays 9am-5pm

Ashton-in-Makerfield, Hindley, Leigh and Wigan: Thursdays 9am-6.30pm, Fridays 9am-5pm