Life wasn’t meant to feel this much like hard work.

You don’t mind hard work. You never have. You get up, crack on, and do your best for the people who rely on you. Then you do a bit more.

But somewhere along the way it started to feel heavier. Not the doing. The feeling. You might not call it stress. You’d probably just say you’re busy. But you know something’s missing.

That’s usually where men find me.

I’m Ashley. Born and bred in Dorset, and an NCPS-accredited counsellor. I work with men in their 20s to 40s who are ready for more than just busy.

I know what it’s like to sit on the other side of the room. When I started therapy, I wasn’t there for one big problem or a trauma I needed to unpack. Something just felt off. I needed a space to work it out with someone who got it.

That’s what I offer you. Time with someone who has no agenda and needs nothing from you. No judgement, no pressure to have it all figured out. Just room to look at the reactions that don’t help, the emotions you get stuck on, and the decisions you keep going back over. Together we find what’s really going on underneath, and where “life is hard work” actually comes from.

Then, when you’re ready, we move. I’m also a transformational coach, so we don’t stop at understanding. We get clear on what you actually want and start building it.

It’s straight talking, genuinely compassionate work. No going round in circles.

I’ve spent over five years in private practice and 20 years before that in education, social care and hospitality, including running a high-pressure kitchen. I also coach mindset for the Commando Conditioned Fitness community, supporting veterans and front line workers.

Neurodivergent or neurotypical, you’re welcome here. I’m dyslexic myself and embrace my neurodivergent traits, so I’m happy to talk them through if they’re relevant to our work.

We can work online over WhatsApp video anywhere in the UK, on a Walk and Talk outdoors near Wareham, or in person in Poole (limited availability). Sessions run Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

Hit “Book Consultation” and send the message. I’ll reply personally within two working days to arrange a free 30-minute connection call. No pressure, just a conversation.