My path to becoming a psychotherapist wasn't simply shaped by academic study or professional training. It was shaped by my own experiences of childhood trauma, OCD, anxiety and low self-esteem, and by years of personal therapy that changed the way I understood myself and the world around me.
Those experiences gave me a deep respect for the therapeutic process. I know that healing is rarely straightforward. It often takes courage, patience and compassion. I also know how meaningful it can be to feel genuinely understood by another person.
That journey hasn't ended. It continues through my own personal growth, regular supervision, ongoing training and, perhaps most importantly, through the privilege of walking alongside the people I work with every day.

I specialise in helping adults who are struggling with the effects of childhood trauma and OCD. Over the years I've come to appreciate that no two people experience these difficulties in exactly the same way, which is why I don't believe that people fit neatly into diagnostic labels or that one therapeutic approach works for everyone.
Instead, I begin by getting to know you.
Together we'll build a shared understanding of what may be contributing to your difficulties—your experiences, relationships, strengths, protective strategies and the patterns that have developed over time. This collaborative formulation becomes the foundation of our work and helps us decide which therapeutic approaches are most likely to help.
Rather than following a rigid model, I integrate a range of evidence-based therapies, including EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and other evidence-based approaches. Every intervention is chosen thoughtfully, based on your individual needs, goals and preferences.
While understanding your experiences is an important part of therapy, insight alone rarely creates lasting change. My aim is to help you process difficult experiences, develop new ways of responding and move towards a life that feels freer, richer and more fulfilling.
While I bring professional knowledge and experience, you remain the expert on your own life. Therapy is something we do together.
Research consistently shows that one of the strongest predictors of successful therapy is the quality of the relationship between therapist and client. I take that seriously.
Clients often tell me they feel understood, accepted and able to be themselves in our sessions. My aim is to create a space where you feel safe enough to explore difficult experiences without fear of judgement. Sometimes our work is gentle and reflective. Sometimes it's more active and challenging. Throughout, I strive to be authentic, compassionate and fully present.
One thing you'll quickly notice about me is that I'm naturally curious.
Before becoming a therapist, I spent over a decade immersed in Talmudic study, where careful analysis, critical thinking and exploring different perspectives were part of everyday life. Looking back, I can see how much that experience shaped the way I approach therapy today. I enjoy developing a thoughtful understanding of each person's difficulties rather than rushing to conclusions or relying on assumptions.
My formal counselling training began in 2014 and led to a First Class Honours degree in Counselling, followed by accreditation with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and EMDR Europe.
Since then, I've continued to undertake advanced training in areas including:
Alongside regular clinical supervision from experienced EMDR and IFS practitioners, I continue to engage in my own personal therapy and attend a weekly personal development group with fellow therapists. I believe that continuing to develop personally is just as important as continuing to develop professionally.
For me, learning isn't about collecting certificates. It's about continually refining my understanding so I can offer each client the most thoughtful and effective therapy possible.
Over the past eight years I've worked with people from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures and life experiences across private practice, mental health charities, educational settings and international Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs).
My professional experience includes work with organisations such as:
Alongside my private practice, I also work as an in-house therapist and mentor supporting young adults within a specialist educational setting.
Outside the therapy room, I'm a husband and father who enjoys spending time with family and friends, keeping active, meditating and exploring nature.
My faith is an important part of my own life and provides opportunities for regular reflection, community and rest. One part of the week I particularly value is the Sabbath—a time when I step away from technology and spend uninterrupted time with family, friends and my community.
Having grown up in Switzerland, I still feel a strong connection to mountains and beautiful landscapes—places where I naturally slow down, reflect and recharge.
I'm also endlessly curious. Whether reading about psychology, philosophy, neuroscience or emerging research, I enjoy asking deeper questions about what it means to live well and how people create lasting change. That curiosity continues to shape both my personal life and my work as a therapist.
Reaching out for therapy can feel like a big step. If you feel ready, I invite you to book a free 15-minute Zoom consultation. We can briefly talk about what you’re looking for help with, answer any questions you have, and see whether I might be the right therapist for you. If you’d prefer a phone call, that’s absolutely fine too.
Your enquiry will be treated confidentially. Please avoid including highly sensitive personal information in the initial contact form.
© Therapy with Philipp
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Manchester Therapies Ltd. Registered in England. Company No: 13398491. Registered office. Chartwell Accountants, 47 Bury New Road, Prestwich, Manchester, England, M25 9JY