Qualifications and Testimonials
I am a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), having trained on a BACP accredited course at the Psychosynthesis and Education Trust in London. I qualified in 2002. My Postgraduate Diploma is validated by the University of East London.
I am also CBT ( Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) aware and have been trained in its tools and techniques.
Since then I have helped many individuals, from people in crisis to people who simply wanted to explore their potential as human beings.
In addition, I had thirty years' experience of caring for people as an Anglican priest in a variety of settings from university to community to hospital, and as a Clinical Supervisor in the NHS, before becoming a Roman Catholic. I am now a lay member of the LGBT + Chaplaincy for the Catholic Diocese of Westminster. I also offer Spiritual Direction in the Ignatian tradition. See my Spiritual Counselling and Spiritual Direction page for more information.
As a Registered Member of BACP I am bound by its Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions and subject to the Professional Conduct procedure therein.
Testimonials
“Thank you, Martin, you have helped me break free from the consequences of a lifetime of unresolved grief, which eventually led to me being emotionally locked down and struggling with anxiety and depression. Your unique personal approach, experience and knowledge was just right for me and has enabled me to reconcile myself with my past and gradually come back to life emotionally, whilst also transitioning into a radically different period of life as I unexpectedly enter retirement, which has been a challenge to my sense of purpose and outlook on life. I could not have done this alone, and it has felt like having a wise companion on a difficult journey who has made sure I arrive safely.” N.D
“Martin has been an enormous help to me in dealing with a number of personal challenges. Practical, wise and compassionate he has helped me to bring spiritual values to bear on worldly problems in a genuinely transformative way. It has been a pleasure to be both supported and helpfully challenged on this journey and I am very grateful to him.” H.T
“Martin has been an extraordinary guide through a time of personal crisis. After seven months of therapy, I feel more peaceful and grounded than ever before, and Martin has helped me develop my own set of tools to go about life in a mindful, compassionate way. I have found Martin to be very professional yet uncommonly kind, and his calm, considerate manner is sure to make you feel at ease. I cannot recommend him enough!” B.S
“Martin is a very kind man who clearly cares about the well-being of his clients. Since I have spent my time with him, I have learned to live a more emotionally developed life and to focus on my goals and aspirations. He respects confidentiality and is open and empathic when addressing problems. Martin keeps his eye on the ball in terms of client’s progress and reviews and summarises in order to achieve his therapeutic goals. His services are great value for money, especially considering his learned background.” DH
"I have found Martin enormously helpful. It is a relief to be able to talk honestly with someone who is kind, non-judgemental and receptive. Martin has gently guided me to an understanding of self which has enabled me to deal with inner self criticism and anxiety. He has helped me through a particularly difficult time at work where my self esteem was jeopardised by in house bullying. Martin respects my religious beliefs and his spiritual insights and encouragements have been profoundly uplifting." RT
"I owe a great deal to Martin's patience, good humour and excellent professional practice. I was exceptionally doubtful when looking into the process of counselling and even still when I was given a recommendation for a counsellor. From the very beginning, Martin made me feel at ease with his calm and welcoming nature. His passion for his work and his clients is evident in all that he does.
It's actually difficult to put into words how wonderful Martin has been in the last 18 months. His personal and caring approach made it easy for me to feel respected, listened to and suitably challenged. He responded to whatever difficulties I discussed with great sensitivity and care.
Before I met Martin, I was lost. With his personal and relaxed style, he was able to draw out wisdom and energy that I never knew were there. The time has been so valuable and the guidance I received will stay with me for a lifetime.
Your search for the right counsellor can end right here." HY
"Martin has changed my life. I feel more comfortable in my skin, more confident, better able to take on more challenges, and better able to form relationships with friends and colleagues. Issues that I once thought would be lifelong concerns now seem like specks in the rear view mirror. Martin is kind enough, wise enough and firm enough to deliver life-enriching therapy." KDN
"Whilst going through an unexpected difficult patch, I had the good fortune to be introduced to Martin who really took the time to listen and understand the challenges I was facing. As someone who was initially sceptical about counselling and found it difficult to open up about personal problems, Martin offered some extremely useful techniques to help cope with problem situations in a safe, relaxed and confidential environment over a defined period which helped me to get back on track. I would highly recommend Martin to anyone who is going through a difficult period in their life and wants some quality, constructive support." E.D.
"I found Martin a great listener who enabled me to open up and feel comfortable in doing so. His calm nature allowed for a relaxing environment where I was able to feel supported and discuss any issues." S.D
"I was desperate to find relief from anxiety/depression so the day I followed the recommendation to seek out Martin Kelly the slow process to find peace of mind began - in a nutshell he offered trust, insight and a way forward." J.Q.E
Online and at Hosey Hill
Westerham, Kent TN16 1TB