Stephen Manning

If I can be all that I am, then that is good enough." Carl Rogers

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Stephen Manning's style

Why Stephen Manning chose to be in the helping profession

I chose to enter the helping profession because I want to support people who may not have the opportunity to talk to anyone about what they are going through. Many people do not feel comfortable discussing their struggles with friends or family members, and I believe everyone deserves a safe place to be heard without judgment. Having dedicated time and space to focus on yourself can make a meaningful difference, especially when that space is private and respectful. I see this work as an opportunity to offer that sense of safety and understanding to those who need it most.

My goal is to provide a confidential environment where individuals can openly address their concerns at their own pace. I value the trust it takes to share personal experiences, and I take that responsibility seriously. By creating a calm and supportive setting, I aim to help people explore their issues, gain clarity, and feel less alone in the process. Being able to offer this kind of support is what continues to motivate me in this profession.

Stephen Manning's approach

The Person-centred approach to therapy forms the bedrock of my work. Given the right conditions, we can all experience positive growth and work towards realising our full potential. This approach utilises the relationship between counsellor and client to create these conditions. By offering congruence (genuineness), acceptance and empathy, I create a safe environment within which you can express and explore your thoughts and feelings, and address the issues you are facing. Rather than trying to direct you or to interpret your words, this approach empowers you to find your own solutions and achieve a more authentic way of being.

I also use Solution-focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Although the issues you face may seem insurmountable, often there are times, however brief, when things go better for you and you are able to cope more. What are those moments and where do they come from? SFBT encourages you to become aware of these times, to highlight what you are already doing that is working, and to discover the resources which are available to you within yourself and in your environment. The work also involves identifying small, manageable steps which you can take to move forward. SFBT encourages you to consider what life might be like if your problems had been solved, thus emphasising how things could be, rather than getting caught up in problems and how to overcome them.

I use Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), a complementary therapy based on the same principles as acupuncture (but without the needles!). I also use inner child work and Clean Language which invites clients to work with their internal, representation of their experiences (many people find that working with metaphors enables them to acknowledge, and work with, thoughts and feelings which are difficult to approach or which are on the edge of their consciousness, and which they might otherwise find difficult to express).

What you can expect from sessions with Stephen Manning

In all areas of my work, I offer a non-judgmental relationship where you can feel safe enough to explore whatever you are facing. I will treat you with respect, take time to understand you and your experiences, and offer a genuine and open relationship. You will have the opportunity to ask questions about how the process works and, where possible, to share what your best hopes are from working together. My aim is to create a space where you feel supported and listened to from the very beginning.

You may be dealing with something specific that is troubling you, or you may be seeking support during a particularly difficult time. Sometimes people come to counselling without a clear problem in mind, only a sense that things do not feel quite right. People bring a wide range of concerns to counselling but you do not need to identify a specific issue before coming. What matters is having the space to talk and to begin making sense of what is happening for you.

I will encourage you to express your thoughts and feelings, explore the issues that are troubling you, and discover ways of living more resourcefully. The work is centred on self-discovery and finding solutions that feel right for you, rather than being given advice or told what to do. Together, we focus on supporting your own understanding and choices, at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

Stephen Manning's experience working with the Jewish community

I was born into the Jewish community of Southport in the North West of England and have lived in several communities throughout my life, including Stamford Hill in London and Broughton Park in Manchester. I am currently a member of the Childwall community in Liverpool, which continues to shape both my personal and professional understanding of community life. Alongside my lived experience, I have also worked as an associate counsellor with the Talking Matters Counselling Service within the Orthodox community in Broughton Park. This combination of personal background and professional experience allows me to work with a strong awareness of cultural, religious, and community contexts, and to offer support that is both respectful and informed.

Stephen Manning's Book Recommendation Zone

• Emotional Intelligence
  Daniel Goleman's book explores the importance of emotional inteligence in our lived experience and how all of us (including parents and schools) can benefit from this awareness.
• Mind, Brain and Human Potential
  Brian Lancaster's exploration of neuropsychology and religion in search of an understanding of ourself.
• Thinkertoys
  An informative and fun book by Michael Michalko containing hundreds of ideas for creative inspiration.

Approaches

• Inner child work
• Person-Centered Therapy
• Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
• Supervision Services
• Tapping & Emotional Freedom Technique

Concerns

• Anxiety
• Bereavement & Grief
• Depression
• Life purpose and meaning
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Panic attacks/panic disorder
• Stress management

24 years in practice

Degrees

• Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling by Liverpool John Moores University 2001
• BSc in Applied. Psychology by Liverpool John Moores University 1998

Certificates

• Diploma in Casework Supervision by PCCS, Manchester 2007
• Level 1 certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling by (ACTO - Association for Counselling and Therapy Online) 2021

Affiliations

• Accredited Member by British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy 2008

Average costs per session

£50 - £65

Payment Methods

• ACH Bank Transfer