Merlins Bridge Counselling service
Counselling in Haverfordwest
Helping you to cross the bridge to your brighter self.
Welcome, and thank you for visiting Merlins Bridge Counselling.
About me
I’m Ben, a calm and person‑centred therapist based in Pembrokeshire. I help people who feel overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or disconnected from themselves find clarity, confidence, and a sense of steadiness again.
My path into therapy began with my own experience as a counselling client, which gave me a deep appreciation for what it means to be truly heard. Before becoming a therapist, I spent over four years supporting people in the mental health and substance use field, walking alongside individuals as they rebuilt their lives.
I’m a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), and I hold a Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, along with further training in counselling practice, counselling skills, and understanding substances. I also have a background in acting and storytelling, which has shaped my ability to understand people deeply, hold emotional nuance, and recognise the narratives that influence how we see ourselves.
These experiences — professional, personal, and creative — help me bring empathy, insight, and genuine curiosity into every session. It’s a privilege to accompany people as they rediscover their strength, honesty, and sense of self.
A Space to Pause and Breathe
I offer a safe, steady, non‑judgemental space where you can slow down and explore what’s really going on beneath the surface. Many people come to me when life has become heavier than it should be — when they’ve been coping alone for a long time and are ready for things to change.
Walking Alongside You
As a counsellor, my role isn’t to give advice or tell you how to live your life. Instead, I’m here to walk alongside you, helping you understand your emotions, make sense of your experiences, and reconnect with the parts of yourself you may have lost touch with. Counselling gives you a space that’s entirely yours — somewhere you can speak freely, without judgement, pressure, or expectation.
Rediscovering Your Strength
My approach is person‑centred, which means we work collaboratively and at your pace. I won’t rush you or push you. Together, we explore your thoughts, feelings, and patterns in a way that helps you gain clarity, feel more grounded, and develop a stronger sense of who you are. When helpful, I offer gentle tools and insights, but the heart of the work is helping you feel understood and more in control of your world. Therapy with me is a space to breathe, reflect, and rediscover your own strength.
A Space for You
Whoever you are and whatever you’re carrying, you’re welcome here.
You don’t need to have the right words — just a willingness to begin.
If you feel drawn to work together, I’d be glad to hear from you.
Who I Work With
People come to therapy for many different reasons, but the common thread is this: something in life has become too heavy to carry alone. I work with adults from all walks of life who are looking for a calm, steady space to understand themselves more deeply and move toward a life that feels more manageable, honest, and grounded.
Below are some of the experiences and struggles I often support people with. You may see yourself in one of these areas, or in several — or you may not be sure where you fit yet. All of that is welcome here.
People Who Feel Overwhelmed or Stuck
You might feel like you’re carrying too much, or that you’ve been coping for longer than anyone realises. Maybe you’re exhausted, unsure what you need, or struggling to move forward.
I help people slow down, make sense of what’s happening, and reconnect with their own strength.
Anxiety, Worry, and Overthinking
If your mind feels constantly busy, tense, or full of “what ifs,” therapy can help you understand what’s driving those feelings and find ways to feel calmer and more in control.
Low Self‑Esteem and Self‑Doubt
Many people come to me feeling unsure of themselves, disconnected from who they are, or believing they’re “not enough.”
Together, we explore where these beliefs come from and how to build a more compassionate relationship with yourself.
Stress and Burnout
Whether it’s work, caring responsibilities, or life pressures, stress can build quietly until it becomes overwhelming.
Therapy offers space to breathe, reflect, and find steadier ground.
Trauma and Difficult Past Experiences
You may be carrying something from the past that still affects you today — even if you don’t talk about it often.
I offer a gentle, trauma‑informed space where you can explore your experiences at your own pace.
Depression and Low Mood
If you’re feeling flat, numb, or disconnected from things that once mattered, therapy can help you understand what’s beneath those feelings and begin to reconnect with yourself.
Relationship and Identity Difficulties
You might be struggling with boundaries, trust, closeness, or understanding who you are.
I support people exploring identity, self‑expression, and the patterns that shape their relationships.
Men’s Mental Health
Many men find it difficult to open up or feel pressure to “just get on with it.”
I offer a space where you can talk honestly without judgement, expectation, or the need to perform strength.
People Who Don’t Know Where to Start
You don’t need a diagnosis, a label, or a clear explanation of what’s wrong.
If you just know something doesn’t feel right, that’s enough.
We can explore it together.
Neurodivergent and Neurodivergence‑Friendly Support
Whether you identify as neurodivergent or simply feel “different” from others, I offer a space that is accepting, flexible, and shaped around your needs.
People Navigating Recovery or Substance Use Challenges
With experience in the mental health and substance use field, I support individuals who are rebuilding their lives, finding stability, or exploring their relationship with substances.
Session Length
- Sessions last 50 minutes
- Usually held weekly, but we can discuss what feels right for you
Types of Therapy Offered
- Person‑centred therapy
- Humanistic therapy
- Integrative elements when supportive
- Neurodivergence‑friendly approach
- Trauma‑informed practice
How Sessions Are Delivered
You can choose the format that feels most comfortable:
- Face‑to‑face sessions in a private, calm setting
- Online sessions via secure video
- Telephone sessions for those who prefer voice‑only
All formats offer the same level of care, presence, and confidentiality.
Fees
I aim to keep therapy accessible and straightforward:
- £30–£40 per session
- Concessions available
- Payment via BACS at least 1 hour before the session
If affordability is a concern, we can talk it through without pressure
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I talk about in therapy?
Anything that feels important to you. Some people come with a clear issue, while others just know something doesn’t feel right. You can talk about your thoughts, feelings, relationships, past experiences, worries, or anything you’ve been carrying alone. Nothing is too small, too big, or too “silly” to bring into the room.
Do I need to know what’s wrong before starting?
Not at all. Many people begin therapy unsure of what they need — they just know they want things to feel different. Part of our work together is exploring what’s going on and finding clarity at your pace.
How long is a session?
Sessions last 50 minutes. This gives us enough time to settle in, explore what’s happening for you, and end in a grounded way.
How often will we meet?
Most people come weekly, but we can discuss what feels right for you. Therapy is flexible — it’s shaped around your needs, not a fixed schedule.
Do you offer online or phone sessions?
Yes. You can choose the format that feels most comfortable:
- Face‑to‑face
- Online video sessions
- Telephone sessions
All options offer the same level of care, presence, and confidentiality.
What type of therapy do you offer?
I work in a person‑centred and humanistic way, which means the focus is on you — your experiences, your pace, and what feels meaningful to you. I also draw on integrative and trauma‑informed approaches when helpful.
What happens in the first session?
The first session is a gentle introduction. We’ll talk about what brings you to therapy, what you’re hoping for, and what you need to feel safe and supported. There’s no pressure to share anything before you’re ready. It’s simply a chance to get to know each other.
How much does therapy cost?
Sessions are £30–£40, depending on the format.
Concessions are available.
Payment is made via BACS at least one hour before the session.
How long will I need therapy for?
There’s no set timeline. Some people come for a few weeks, others for several months or longer. We’ll review things together so the process always feels right for you.
Is everything I say confidential?
Yes. What you share in therapy stays between us, with a few legal exceptions that we’ll discuss in our first session. Your privacy and safety are always a priority.
I’ve never had therapy before — is that okay?
Absolutely. Many of my clients are new to therapy. You don’t need to know how it works — I’ll guide you gently, and we’ll take things step by step.
How do I know if you’re the right therapist for me?
The relationship is one of the most important parts of therapy. You’re welcome to reach out for an initial conversation to see how it feels. There’s no pressure to commit — it’s simply a chance to get a sense of whether we’re a good fit.
Get in touch
Crossing the bridge to a brighter self begins with a single conversation. Reach out to arrange an initial session or to ask any questions about how we can work together.
Please use the secure contact form below to get in touch, or feel free to call or message me.
Phone: +44 7359 712163
Response time: Usually within 24 hours
Confidentiality: Strictly guaranteed