Clients Include
Introduction
A warm welcome to awaykn Psychotherapy, Supervision and Consultation. The biggest step to take is realising that you need help and searching for a therapist who might be a good fit to work with you. I am a compassionate, warm and highly experienced psychotherapist offering psychotherapy to individuals, couples and groups over 18 years old.
I am a psychodynamic psychotherapist with more than 30 years’ experience of working in the NHS and in private practice in Harley Street, with a variety of people. I have worked with those within the healthcare system to clients who are in high powered positions requiring discreet services. Highly skilled and experienced at dealing with a variety of complex issues I often see people who for one reason or another have had previous therapy which has not been successful. I specialise in personality disorder and have an interest in autism. Other skills include working with anxiety, depression, bereavement, relationship difficulties, suicidality, physical and sexual abuse, self-harm, grief, loss, work-related stress and burnout. I work with adults of all ages online - with individuals, couples, and groups.
Initially we will focus on the difficulties that brought you to therapy. We will explore the background to the issues enabling us to formulate an idea as to how to proceed therapeutically. I offer both short and long-term therapy depending on your needs.
If you contact me, I will arrange a short conversation either by telephone or online to see whether I am the right therapist for you. We can then arrange to meet online to proceed and start our work.
What I offer
Individual Psychotherapy
I provide online psychotherapy for individuals, drawing upon a blend of psychodynamic and mentalisation-based techniques. My approach centres on exploring how past experiences and unconscious patterns may impact your present life, whilst also helping you to understand and reflect upon your thoughts and feelings.
By fostering greater self-awareness and emotional insight, I support clients in making meaningful changes and developing healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.
Couples Therapy
Couples therapy with me is a warm, supportive space where you and your partner can address challenges, deepen your understanding of one another, and strengthen your relationship. Drawing on my years of experience, I work alongside couples to navigate concerns such as communication difficulties, trust, conflict, or emotional distance. My approach is gentle and attentive, helping you both uncover underlying patterns and develop healthier ways of relating. Whether you’re seeking help in a moment of crisis or simply want to reconnect and grow together, I am here to guide you in finding new ways forward—so you can build a more resilient and fulfilling partnership, together.
Group Psychotherapy
As a trained Group Analyst, I provide group psychotherapy sessions that use the power of group dynamics to foster personal growth and healing. In a supportive and confidential setting, members share and reflect on their experiences, uncovering patterns that may hold them back while exploring new ways of connecting with others. The group becomes a safe microcosm of the wider world, where trust, openness, and respect are nurtured. Over time, participants gain insight, self-awareness, and resilience, making group analytic psychotherapy a transformative path for those seeking deeper understanding and lasting change.
Private Online Therapy for Professionals Under Pressure
When success comes with stress, anxiety, or emotional exhaustion, therapy offers a quiet space to slow down, make sense of what’s happening, and begin to heal.
I provide compassionate and confidential psychotherapy for lawyers, executives, and high-achieving professionals navigating trauma, burnout, or depression.
Book a confidential consultation.
Teamwork and Consultation
Are you a manager or business owner noticing your team isn’t reaching its full potential? Productivity may stall, morale dip, or valued staff move on—often due to hidden group dynamics quietly eroding trust and effectiveness.
With a warm, enquiring approach, I offer tailored consultations to uncover and address these patterns. Drawing on my experience lecturing on organisational dynamics and consulting across diverse groups, I design bespoke training and provide ongoing support to create lasting change.
Together, we can build a more resilient, engaged, and productive workplace—helping your team unlock its true potential.
About me
I have over 30 years’ experience of working as a therapist including being Professional Lead for Psychotherapy within the NHS and in private practice. This have given me a large repertoire of approaches accessible to me that I can tailor to your needs.
My approach is warm, compassionate, thoughtful and collaborative. I am passionate about my work being alongside my clients on the journey to understanding.
What We Offer
Awareness today, better mental health tomorrow
Therapeutic Coaching
A unique blend of therapy and coaching to help you break free from limiting beliefs, build confidence, and create lasting change in your life.
Personal Consultancy
An integrative approach combining emotional healing with practical goal-setting to help you move forward with clarity and purpose.
Transactional Analysis (TA) Therapy
Understand deep-rooted thought patterns and behaviors to improve relationships, communication, and self-awareness.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Develop psychological flexibility, embrace challenges, and align your actions with your core values for a fulfilling life.
Grief & Loss Support
Compassionate guidance to help you process grief, heal emotional wounds, and find a path toward acceptance and gratitude.
Walking & Talking Therapy
Experience the healing power of nature with outdoor therapy sessions that encourage reflection, movement, and personal growth.
Testimonials
‘I cannot overstate the value of the work that I have done with Peter. His manner from the outset immediately put me at ease, and his patience, empathy, curiosity and sense of humour helped make a challenging period in my life understandable, manageable and ultimately a very positive - and learning - experience. I’m incredibly grateful for his help and guidance and could not recommend Peter highly enough.’
J (London)
‘In all the years I have engaged in therapy with different practitioners, Mr Aston is the only one with whom I have made substantial progress, to the point where I no longer suffer the debilitating symptoms of my condition and feel equipped to manage my future. To describe Mr Aston’s treatment as transformational is an understatement; I would go so far as to say that he may well have saved my life.’
L ( London)
‘Both within the NHS and in private practice, I have always found Mr Aston to be a highly professional, knowledgeable and ethical therapist, who was able to build trust and rapport with me through his honesty, clarity and patience. Even through the disruption of the pandemic and the necessity to transition to online sessions, he was able to convey his compassion, empathy and positive regard.
Working with Mr Aston has felt safe, non-judgmental and validating.’
WM (Devon)
“I’ve only ever had therapy once and have been extremely happy with the results of working with Mr Aston. I have been in awe of the therapeutic experience and how much Mr Aston was able to help me process with his patience, kind support and empathy throughout our time working together. He helped me transform a very difficult aspect of my life and has liberated me from those shackles, allowing me to live my life in a freer and more present way. I am extremely grateful for his experience and guidance.”
YN (Edinburgh)
testimonials
What clients say
‘ You encourage deep self-reflection, which makes a lasting impact. Youruse of psychotherapy models, combined with practical goal setting exercises helpedme connect with my ‘why’ on a much deeper level’
Sarah
– ‘Michelle has a ‘light’ way of allowing you to think about ‘heavy’ stuff thatdominates your thoughts and actions. After a conversation with her you feel lighter,empowered and raring to go to achieve your weekly goals’
Charlotte
‘Michelle has an amazing way of making you feel at ease from the momentyou meet her. She is kind, caring and understanding and most of all non-judgemental’
Nicola
‘You guide people on a journey of discovery that empowers them to take ownership of their own journey’
Claire
Michelle made me realise that when you want something enough then everything is possible
Michelle
‘Michelle cares about people and genuinely wants people to love and be the best versions of themselves’
Suzanne
What Our Clients Say
You encourage deep self-reflection, which makes a lastingimpact.Your use of psychotherapy models, combined with practical goal setting exerciseshelped me connect with my ‘why’ on a much deeper level’
Sarah
– ‘Michelle has a ‘light’ way of allowing you to think about ‘heavy’ stuff that
dominates your thoughts and actions. After a conversation with her you feel lighter,
empowered and raring to go to achieve your weekly goals’
Charlotte
‘Michelle has an amazing way of making you feel at ease from the moment
you meet her. She is kind, caring and understanding and most of all non-
judgemental’
Nicola
‘You guide people on a journey of discovery that empowers them to take ownership of their own journey’
Claire
‘Michelle cares about people and genuinely wants people to love and be the best versions of themselves’
Suzanne
‘ Michelle listens without judgement, her whole self is focussed on the
person speaking, its so validating as it makes people feel heard’
Catherine
‘ Michelle made me realise that when you want something enough then
everything is possible’