About
My name is Alan Lynam and I offer individual counselling and psychotherapy, couples therapy and family therapy in Manchester and online. I’ve have over 10 years’ experience as a therapist.
I’m a CTA (Certified Transactional Analysis Psychotherapist) and hold accreditation by my registered body UKCP (United Council for Psychotherapy) and UKATA. I am a proficient ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapist) and competent couples therapist using Imago relationship Therapy.
I’m from Cork in Ireland and came to the UK during the financial crisis in 2009 to seek work Initially, I thought I would remain in England for a couple of years or so, but I have since happily settled and found my home here.
My first experience of psychotherapy was as a client when at 20 years of age I sought therapy following an experience of mental illness. At the time I was sceptical of counselling and psychotherapy. I had no idea of what to expect. That day I walked into my therapist’s room; I was understandably anxious. I did however feel that I wanted to see if therapy would assist with my journey to recovery alongside mental health medication. I thought I might as well give therapy a go, what have I got to lose? My experience of therapy was that this completely independent, qualified psychotherapist was able to guide, support and encourage me to become more of myself and be my best self. Therapy was a transformational experience which significantly aided my recovery from mental illness. In addition, I began to make decisions aligned with my personal values which lead to me living a more content and fulfilled life.
My values:
I am enthusiastic about working collaboratively alongside my clients where they can be their “best selves”.
I am a firm believer in treating everyone with the dignity and respect which they deserve irrespective of their identity, background, culture, sexuality, disability, life experiences, religious affiliations. Inclusivity is a significant personal value of mine (see below). Justice and fairness are of paramount importance, and I have worked with clients who have experienced forms of injustice and unfairness in society, the workplace, and relationships over the years. My own philosophy as a therapist includes respecting and understanding each client’s perspective and treating them with the utmost dignity and compassion. I strive to support, be understanding and be non-judgemental.
Who I work with:
For over 10 years I have worked with clients who choose counselling/psychotherapy to address a wide range of life and relationship issues. I work with clients on a short term or long-term basis. The benefits of working as a psychotherapist in private practice is that you and I work together and decide together how many sessions you may or may not need.
I am remarkably familiar with working with depression, anxiety, bereavement, work related stress, relationship issues, sexual identities among many other presenting issues.
If you stood outside my therapy room during a day you would find a mixture of clients from students to senior managers, public servants, office staff, health professionals among others. I have the flexibility to see clients during their lunchtime break, before or after work.
I work with people not problems. This philosophy guides my therapeutic approach as I recognise that everyone brings their unique story, strengths, and experiences to therapy.
Inclusivity:
Being oneself and having a sense of belonging is a passion and interest of mine. However, I understand that for some this can prove problematic. I have experience of working with gender identity, sexuality, and sexual identity and was a therapist at the LGBT Foundation. In addition, I work with many clients who are from diverse backgrounds, I’ve also worked with individuals and couples with various disabilities including those disabilities which are “non-visible”. I offer you a space where you can openly express yourself and be yourself.
In my practice, I offer you a space where you can explore and discover your identity and regain a sense of autonomy and connectedness. I seek to support you to move from a place of feeling perhaps “stuck” and “lost” to a position where you can feel more connected to yourself and others. This can assist you in moving towards living a more authentic and fulfilled life.
Having worked with many clients who have come to embrace a more content life I know that with your willingness and my support it is possible for you to overcome the challenges that you are currently experiencing and use them as an opportunity to give you the inner strength and courage to embrace the life you want for yourself.
My approach emphasizes building a genuine therapeutic relationship where you feel truly seen and understood. Together, we’ll explore not just what’s troubling you, but who you are, who you want to become, and what stands in your way. This holistic perspective often reveals solutions and possibilities that might be missed by focusing narrowly on ‘fixing problems.'”