About Me
Hi, I'm Harry O'Neill MBACP, a Person-Centred Counsellor and Psychotherapist working with adults and young people aged 11 and over.
I believe meaningful change can begin when we feel genuinely heard, understood and accepted.
My approach is person-centred, which means our work together is shaped around you rather than a fixed programme or set of techniques. You don't need to know exactly what you want to talk about — we can explore that together.
I aim to offer a warm, confidential and non-judgemental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences at a pace that feels right for you.
My Background
Before becoming a counsellor and psychotherapist, I worked as a registered nurse. I later completed an MA in Person-Centred Experiential Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice at the University of Nottingham.
My background in healthcare and psychotherapy has shaped my belief in seeing the person beyond a diagnosis, difficulty or label, and in taking the time to understand each person's individual experience.
I am a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work within its Ethical Framework.
A Particular Interest in Care Experience
I have a particular passion for working with people who have experience of the care system. This is an area that is important to me both personally and professionally.
As someone with care experience myself, I chose to focus my Master's research on the experiences of care-experienced adults. My dissertation explored how experiences of care can shape our sense of self and relationships, including themes of identity, belonging, self-worth and connection.
Shared experience doesn't mean I'll assume I understand yours — everyone's story is different. What matters to me is providing a space where you can tell your story on your own terms, without being defined by your past or what has happened to you.
Why Route to Root?
The name Route to Root reflects how I think about therapy. Sometimes understanding where we are now means exploring the experiences, relationships and feelings that have shaped us along the way.
For me, counselling isn't about changing who you are. It's about having the space to understand yourself more deeply, reconnect with what feels important to you, and find your own way forward.
There isn't one route through therapy. Where we go, and what we explore, is something we discover together.