Fully qualified, professional and experienced psychotherapeutic care.
Compassionate therapy for personal growth. Specialising in anxiety, OCD, and self-esteem.
Talking Matters UK Psychotherapy
Welcome — I'm Michael Francis
I am a fully qualified Integrative Psychotherapist and Clinical Supervisor with nearly 20 years of experience.
I am passionate about and specialise in supporting individuals through personal and emotional challenges, including anxiety, OCD, and low self-esteem.
Individual Therapy
Get personalised one-to-one sessions to explore your feelings, thoughts and behaviours in a safe and confidential environment. See Prices
Group Therapy Sessions
Supportive. Practical. Connection-focused.
Join a welcoming space to learn about mental health, build skills, and connect with others. Each session offers:
- Psychoeducation on mental health and a specific topic (e.g. anxiety, low self-esteem)
- Practical tools to manage symptoms and improve quality of life
- Self-help strategies and, where possible, live demonstrations
- A chance to connect with others facing similar challenges
- Suitable for anyone—whether you're personally affected or supporting someone else
Interested?
Groups run based on demand. Add your name to the waiting list, and as soon as there are enough participants, we’ll get started.
Teletherapy
I have specific training in teletherapy, and all sessions are offered online or by phone, so you can access support from wherever suits you. My teletherapy sessions are conducted securely and confidentially.
Parental Support 🧠
Parenting can be hard. This space is for you—to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with the kind of parent you want to be. Explore Parental Support →
About Talking Matters UK
My Approach
Clinical Supervision & Training
My Experience
I believe in taking a holistic approach to therapy, treating the whole person and not just their symptoms. I use evidence-based techniques and work collaboratively with my clients to help them achieve their goals.
I have worked with a wide range of mental health issues and provide a safe and supportive environment.
At the core of my practice is Person-centred Therapy, fostering a compassionate and empowering therapeutic space.
I believe that everyone has the potential for growth and change, and that therapy can help unlock that potential.
I integrate a range of psychological approaches including CBT, Gestalt, Transactional Analysis, Existential, Psychodynamic and Psychosynthesis to tailor sessions to each client’s unique needs, allowing them to explore their thoughts and feelings without judgement.
My Experience
Clinical Supervision & Training
My Experience
CBT has been central to my practice. My five years working at Connect Psychology, which was a high-volume NHS service specialising in CBT, meant managing a caseload of 20-24 one-to-one clients and delivering four psychoeducational courses on anxiety and low self-esteem each week. This experience allowed me to apply evidence-based techniques extensively, ensuring structured and effective support.
I have worked extensively in both community and NHS settings, including many years as a high-intensity therapist.
A key professional milestone for me was my role as Coordinator at Bristol Mind, where I was responsible for training and supervising volunteers in mental health support.
Beyond individual therapy, I have spent years mentoring disadvantaged young people through creative work and therapeutic support, and I have facilitated group therapy, including work with Self-Injury support groups, helping participants navigate complex emotional challenges in a safe and structured environment.
Clinical Supervision & Training
Clinical Supervision & Training
Clinical Supervision & Training
In addition to therapy, I bring over 10 years of experience in clinical supervision, guiding fellow professionals in their practice and development. Whether working with individuals, groups, or professionals, my approach remains grounded in empathy, collaboration, and evidence-based techniques, ensuring every client receives the support they need to grow and heal.
I have been working in private practice since 2018, receiving referrals from an agency providing culturally appropriate mental health support, focusing on individuals who face systemic discrimination and social disadvantage.
I help ensure that therapy is accessible and responsive to the unique challenges faced by these communities. This includes students and staff of many universities throughout the UK and women and non-binary individuals experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence.
Achieve Mental Wellness with Talking Matters UK Therapy
💷 Therapy & Supervision Fees
I aim to offer high-quality therapy and supervision that remains accessible and responsive to the needs of our diverse communities. All therapy sessions are 60 minutes and are provided via phone or online video.
🧠 Individual Therapy
Standard Rate
- £60 per session (Teletherapy)
For those able to pay the full rate. This supports the sustainability of my practice and helps fund reduced-cost places for others.
Community Access Rate
- £30–£40 per session (Teletherapy only)
Available for those on low incomes or receiving means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit, ESA, PIP, or Housing Benefit. No proof required—this is offered on trust.
Post-Nilaari Continuation Rate
- £25 per session (Teletherapy only)
A discounted rate for clients continuing privately after funded therapy through Nilaari. Offered to support continuity and long-term care for individuals from disadvantaged or marginalised communities.
💳 Advance Payment Discounts
Save by paying for sessions in advance:
6-Session Block
- Standard Rate: £330 (£55/session)
- Community Rate: £165–£210 (£27.50–£35/session)
12-Session Block
- Standard Rate: £600 (£50/session)
- Community Rate: £300–£420 (£25–£35/session)
Advance bookings are non-refundable but offer flexibility in scheduling (weekly or fortnightly).
🧭 Clinical Supervision
- £60 per hour or £75 per 90 minutes (Qualified Therapists)
- £40 per hour or £55 per 90 minutes (Trainees or Low-Income Therapists)
Sessions are held online or by phone.
If you’re unsure which rate applies to you, or you have questions about affordability, feel free to get in touch. My goal is to make therapy and supervision genuinely accessible.
FAQ
What is mindfulness?
Getting out of our heads and into the present moment.
Learning how to cultivate a more present and mindful approach to life can reduce stress and anxiety.
How much does it cost?
Individual sessions are £60 per hour. Community rates start from £30, and clients continuing after Nilaari-funded sessions pay from £25. Full details are on the Fees page.
What is the difference in price?
Choosing Your Rate – Community Pricing Community Rates are offered as a sliding scale to improve access while keeping the work sustainable. You’re invited to select the rate that best reflects your financial situation. 💡 As a guide:
- 6 sessions: £165–£210 (£27.50–£35 per session)
- 12 sessions: £300–£420 (£25–£35 per session)
Lower rates are intended for those on lower incomes, in part-time work, or facing financial hardship. Higher rates reflect greater financial stability or disposable income. A rough guide is to choose a rate that’s around 7.5% of your weekly take-home pay. No formal checks — this is trust-based and meant to be accessible. If you’re unsure where you fit, feel free to contact me.
How much is supervision?
I offer individual clinical supervision for counsellors, therapists, and trainees.
- Standard rate: £60 per 60-minute session, or £75 per 90 minutes
- Concession rate: £40 per 60-minute session, or £55 per 90 minutes (available for trainees or those on a low income)
- Group supervision: £45 per person (for 2–4 participants, 90 minutes)
Sessions are offered online or by phone.
Do you offer parenting support?
Yes. Parental support sessions offer a confidential space to reflect on the challenges of parenting, understand your own responses and patterns, and reconnect with the kind of parent you want to be.
How much are the group sessions?
Standard Rate: £120
- Community Rate: £90 (for those on lower incomes or facing financial hardship – no proof needed)
- Instalments available – just ask
✅ The course includes:
- 6 weekly sessions (online)
- Practical tools to manage anxiety
- Supporting materials to use between sessions and beyond
Who is the course for?
👥 Suitable for:
Anyone who experiences, or cares for someone who experiences:
- General anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Social anxiety
- Stress-related tension or overwhelm
If you're unsure which rate fits your situation, feel free to contact me for a quick, informal chat.
Can I use ChatGPT or other AI as a therapist?
No, ChatGPT is not a replacement for a therapist. While it can help you:
- Explore thoughts or feelings
- Learn coping strategies or mental health education
- Draft reflective journal entries
- Prepare for or debrief after therapy sessions
…it cannot offer:
- Clinical judgement
- Emotional attunement
- Safeguarding support
- A secure therapeutic relationship
- Crisis management
🧠 Think of ChatGPT as:
- A supportive tool, not a qualified therapist
- A way to organise thoughts, explore ideas, or rehearse conversations
- A complement, not a substitute, for human connection or therapy
If you're ever in distress or navigating something complex, it's always best to speak with a qualified therapist or appropriate support service.