Welcome to Francois Hunter Counselling
Welcome, you’ve taken a brave step by being here.
Life’s journey is seldom a straight line.
It’s a mosaic of joyful moments, challenges that push our limits, and experiences that define who we become.
Reaching out for support can feel like a big step, and whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, lost, or simply in need of a space to breathe, you are very welcome just as you are.
At the heart of my counselling practice is a commitment to offering a safe, compassionate, and non-judgemental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences freely. You don’t need to have it all figured out, therapy is a place to be curious, to be real, and to move at your own pace.
I work with adults from all walks of life and with a wide range of challenges — including anxiety and emotional overwhelm, self-esteem and identity, grief and life transitions, early attachment wounds, and questions around meaning and direction.
My approach is Integrative, which means I tailor therapy to suit your unique needs by drawing on a range of approaches, including humanistic, Gestalt, and relational work.
I am also LGBTQ+ affirming and experienced in supporting those exploring gender, sexuality, and relationship diversity — but whatever your background or identity, you will be met here with respect and warmth.
Therapy with me is not about quick fixes or diagnoses. It’s about building a meaningful relationship that can support you in understanding yourself more deeply, and in moving toward a life that feels more grounded, connected, and aligned with who you are.
Thank you for visiting. If you’d like to find out more or arrange a first session, feel free to explore the rest of the site or get in touch via the Contact page. I look forward to hearing from you.
My Approach
As an Integrative counsellor, I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all therapy. Instead, I draw from a range of therapeutic approaches — including humanistic, Gestalt, and relational models — to meet you where you are and support you in the way that best suits your unique story.
At the heart of my work is relationship. I believe that change happens in the context of safe, attuned connection. Together, we create a space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and patterns at your own pace — without judgment, pressure, or masks.
Present-Focused, Past-Informed
I pay close attention to the present moment: how you feel in your body, how you relate to yourself and others, and what’s emerging for you in the space. At the same time, I’m interested in the roots of your experience especially early attachment wounds, inner child dynamics, and the messages you may have absorbed about yourself over time.
Therapy with me might involve:
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Exploring difficult feelings like shame, anxiety, grief, or anger
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Reconnecting with parts of yourself that feel lost, stuck, or silenced
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Making sense of life transitions, identity shifts, or relationship challenges
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Gently noticing patterns that no longer serve you and practising new ways of being
A Collaborative Process
I see therapy as a co-created process. I’m not here to give you advice or solutions, but to walk alongside you as you deepen your self-awareness, connect with your own wisdom, and move toward the life you want to live. I’ll bring warmth, honesty, and care to our work and I’ll invite you to do the same, in whatever way feels right for you.
LGBTQ+ Affirming and GSRD-Informed
As a gay therapist, I bring lived experience as well as professional training in supporting LGBTQ+ clients and those within the Gender, Sex and Relationship Diverse (GSRD) community. I understand the subtle and not-so-subtle ways that identity, belonging, and marginalisation can shape our mental and emotional wellbeing.
You won’t need to explain or justify who you are here — this is a space where your full self is welcome.
Whether you come to therapy with something specific, or just a sense that “something’s not quite right,” you don’t have to go it alone.
I’m here to listen, explore, and support you, at your pace, in your own way.
My Commitment to the Therapeutic Relationship
At the core of my work is a deep belief in the healing power of relationship.
Therapy isn’t just about techniques or tools — it’s about connection. It’s in the relationship between us that growth, insight, and healing begin to unfold. That’s why I place great care and intention on how we build trust, safety, and understanding together.
I commit to showing up in our work with presence, warmth, and honesty. I’m not a distant observer — I bring my full self into the room. That means listening closely, noticing what’s said and unsaid, and being curious about how we’re relating in the moment. I welcome your thoughts, your feelings, your silences, and your hesitations. They all have a place here.
I believe that a good therapeutic relationship is collaborative and real. You won’t be expected to perform or pretend. I want you to feel free to ask questions, set boundaries, express discomfort, and bring your full experience into the space. Therapy with me is a shared process — one where we learn together what feels helpful, what needs care, and what supports your growth.
Of course, like any real relationship, the therapeutic one can sometimes feel vulnerable or challenging. When those moments arise, we’ll approach them gently and with respect — because even rupture, when met with care, can become a powerful part of the healing.
Whether you’re seeking a space to be fully seen, to feel safe enough to explore what hurts, or to grow into a fuller version of yourself, I will meet you there — with openness, integrity, and a deep respect for your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
"Working with you has been life-changing. I came in feeling overwhelmed and stuck, and I’ve left with a sense of clarity and self-acceptance I never thought possible. Thank you for creating a space where I felt truly heard."
"I was nervous to start , but from our first session, I felt safe and supported. Your warmth, compassion, and insight helped me understand patterns I’d been carrying for years. I’ve grown so much in such a short time."
"Our sessions helped me reconnect with myself. You never rushed me, never judged — just gently guided me to find my own answers. I’ve gained tools that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life."