About Me

I see the facets of my work as complementary. When working with individuals in therapy, I aim to establish a secure alliance as a starting point from which to explore the impact of stigma, trauma and loss, whilst envisioning possibilities for learning, growth and greater wellbeing. As a safeguarding specialist my aim is to support organisations to be reflective, learning-oriented and safe environments where wellbeing is promoted and harm is prevented.

I have diverse leadership and practice experience in a range of sectors including mental health, safeguarding, domestic abuse prevention and sexual health. In addition to working in private practice, I am a specialist mental health practitioner in the public health sector, and also serve on the Board of a leading youth mental health charity. Prior to this I led counselling teams in two of the largest LGBTQ+ health organisations in Australia, and co-facilitated Australia’s first all-gender behaviour change program, for LGBTQ+ people who were worried about and wanted to change their behaviours in intimate relationships. I have also held senior leadership, management and frontline practice roles in children’s safeguarding, and prior to this practiced in the youth mental health sector..

I am committed to continuous learning. I have been a qualified social worker since 1998, and since this time have undertaken ongoing professional development including post-graduate study in practice supervision and a Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy degree. Following my study in counselling and psychotherapy, I had the opportunity to teach Contemporary Psychodynamic Psychotherapy at the Masters level, which offered rich opportunities to deepen my knowledge of theory and practice. I have since undertaken training in a range of psychotherapeutic approaches including Interpersonal Psychotherapy, EMDR and Mentalisation-Based Treatment (MBT). Developing knowledge and skills in the assessment and treatment of post-traumatic psychological difficulties has been a central component of my academic and post-qualifying training. I have also co-developed and delivered training in trauma-informed practice.

Where I Work

I offer appointments online or In person in Hackney, London

Education & Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Social Work, (Canada)

  • Master of Social Work (Carleton University, (Canada)

  • Post-Graduate Award in Practice Teaching, (UK)

  • Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy, (Australia)

  • Certificate - Mentalisation-Based Treatment (MBT), Practitioner Level, (UK)

Quality & Professional Standards

I maintain membership, registration or accreditation with a number of professional associations to demonstrate my commitment to quality, continuing professional development and ethical standards. These include the following:

  • Australian Association of Social Workers - Accredited Social Worker (457845)

  • British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy - Registered Member (397145)

  • British Association of Social Workers - Member

  • British Psychoanalytic Council - Accredited MBT Practitioner

  • Social Work England - Registered Social Worker (SW33351)

    *note that inclusion of the organisational logos below indicates the type of affiliation held with the organisation. All services listed on this website are delivered solely by ‘Michael MacKay Consulting’, and not in collaboration with any other organisation.