I am a psychotherapist specialising in working with men, offering therapy sessions from my private practice in Central London (EC1V). For many years, I have been working with male clients who were seeking help for alcohol/substance misuse, gambling and pornography addiction, among many other coping behaviours. Chronic stress, anxiety or resentment may build over the pressures of work, and yet often we can feel trapped, stuck or professionally purposeless. Over time, for some men, living in conflict with us can become further isolating and even lead to feeling like life is no longer worth living.
While we may have family, mates and intimate relationships, can we truly express how we feel? Do you know who you could talk to, and will they listen really without judgement? While my experience is that most men are unique, complex, thoughtful, brave, curious, assertive, frustrated, competitive and emotional. But we can also ignore life’s challenges in the hope that we can tough them out, or perhaps ‘opening up’ feels like it risks falling apart, which just is not an option.
Are you a man feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply in need of someone to talk to? Whatever you are experiencing, you don’t have to face it alone. I’m Paul Melody, a psychotherapist based in Central London, dedicated to helping men navigate challenges. Together, we can try to make sense of where you are in life and the choices you might make differently moving forward.
Every therapist suggests their approach is warm, open, and down-to-earth. But therapy can also be imaginative, challenging and even offer a new perspective and what is possible. No pressure and no expectation, but a real conversation and genuine understanding. If you feel like you might be ready to take the first step, I offer a free, no-obligation introductory session so you can see if therapy feels right for you. This enables us to get a sense of each other and decide together whether working together would be beneficial.
Therapy presents a unique opportunity to pause from the distractions of everyday life, grapple with emotional challenges, and reflect on what truly matters to you. Through this exploration, clients can gain clarity and awareness, which may offer the possibility for change.
Working Together
Clients seek therapy for a variety of reasons. Some may have specific emotional issues they wish to address, while others might feel stuck, lacking in purpose, or worried that life is not turning out as they had hoped. Whatever brings you to therapy, you are welcome here. I have worked with issues including: • Anxiety, stress, and depression • Confidence, self-esteem, and low mood • Trauma, PTSD, and suicidal feelings • Survivors of assault, childhood abuse, and shame • Problematic relationships with drugs, alcohol, sex, pornography and gambling • Isolation, loneliness and connection • Life transitions like divorce, workplace conflict or becoming a Parent • Racial, sexual, and gender identity
My Approach
I work with clients in either short-term therapy (up to 12 weeks) or longer-term work, with sessions available both face-to-face and online. My existential therapeutic approach is informed by philosophical thinking and centres on each client’s subjective experience and the meaning they attach to their life. Therapy is a collaborative process that allows us to explore who you are, how you got here, and what might shape our future.
Our personal stories can be significant, meaningful, and deeply individual. However, there are times when the story we create or inherit about ourselves, our lives, or our relationships may no longer serve us. The existential approach seeks to describe and illuminate your unique way of living, providing an opportunity to explore and perhaps gain new perspectives on the values, relationships, and choices that are most important to you.
Where to Begin?
To begin, I offer a free 30-minute online session. This initial meeting allows us to get a sense of each other and determine whether working together would be helpful. It is a chance for you to share what has brought you to therapy and ask any questions you may have.
What to Expect?
If you decide to proceed after the introductory session, we will agree on a plan for regular weekly sessions. Together, we will discuss availability and arrange your sessions, which may take place in-person or online on the same day and time each week. We will also clarify the issues you would like to address and set priorities for our work together.
Additional Useful Information:
Fees
Sessions are charged at £80 each. The frequency and timing of sessions will be agreed in advance, with each session lasting 50 minutes and taking place on the same day and time each week.
Availability
Session times are arranged individually with each client. I offer appointments throughout the day, including early morning sessions before work and some evening sessions, subject to availability.
Cancellations
Your reserved weekly therapy time is set aside specifically for you, and I do not see other clients during this slot. Cancellations made at least 48 hours before the scheduled session will not incur a charge. If a session is cancelled after this period or you are unable to attend, the full session fee will be charged. If I need to cancel a session, I will make every effort to offer you an alternative appointment that week. If this is not possible, you will not be charged for the missed session.
Location
My practice is centrally located in Islington EC1V, just a five-minute walk from Old Street tube station. The client room enjoys excellent public transport links and is close to Euston, King’s Cross, Liverpool Street, and Farringdon stations.
Contact
If you have any questions or would like to arrange an introductory session, please get in touch via email: [email protected]
Copyright © 2025 Paul Melody
Every client should feel confident that therapy will be both ethical and confidential. I am a registered member of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), the British Association for Counsellors & Psychotherapists (BACP), and the Society for Existential Analysis (SEA). I adhere to the highest standards for ethical practice, and am fully registered with the ICO, ensuring data and information is GDPR compliant. My professional training took place at Regent’s University, where I completed an MA and a PGDip in Existential Psychotherapy.