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Who we are

Experienced forensic therapists

Clear Counselling is a dedicated team of ethical forensic therapists with over 80 years of collective experience in the Criminal Justice System, including 12 years of direct work within the CJS.

Our therapists are carefully selected for their diverse backgrounds, high-level qualifications and extensive professional experience across challenging environments. They work as part of our core team, collaborating closely to provide comprehensive support. We are also affiliated with specialised counsellors, brought into the team as needed to address specific client needs.

80+ years
Collective experience in the Criminal Justice System
12 years
Of direct work within the CJS
5
Core team members, plus affiliated specialists

Directors

Mary Hutchings
Co-Director, Counsellor & Coach

Life can be messy, unpredictable and challenging. Somewhere amongst the chaos and demands of everyday life, we can lose sight of ourselves, bury our strengths and forget our worth. I am passionate about helping people make sense of their experiences, reconnect with themselves and recognise the qualities they may have forgotten they possess. My approach is honest, down-to-earth and compassionate, with a healthy dose of common sense and a gentle nudge when needed. For me, counselling isn't simply about finding yourself; it's about building an identity that reflects your values, beliefs and dreams. I believe that nothing heals in isolation. Our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing are deeply connected, and when we nurture one, it can have a ripple effect on the whole. This holistic perspective underpins both my counselling work and my interest in naturopathy and nutritional healing. Sometimes we become so busy putting one foot in front of the other that we forget we have wings. I believe in helping people recognise theirs again.

MBACP DipCouns DipRelate Naturopath
Michelle Mikulsky
Co-Director & Counsellor

I offer a warm, confidential and accepting space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace. My approach is person-centred, placing you at the heart of the therapeutic relationship and I recognise that every person's experiences and needs are unique. Therapy offers an opportunity to better understand yourself, make sense of your experiences and explore how they may have shaped the way you feel, think and relate to others. Together, we can gently explore difficult emotions, work patiently through challenges and consider what you would like life to look and feel like. I have particular experience working with forensic clients and navigating life within and beyond the criminal justice system. I am an experienced couples therapist and work with individuals who may be facing difficulties, life changes or simply need some additional support. Drawing on a range of therapeutic approaches, including transactional analysis, I tailor our work to your individual needs and circumstances. I believe counselling is a deeply personal journey, and I aim to offer a supportive relationship in which you feel heard, understood and able to explore what matters most to you.

MBACP MA BA DipCouns DipRelate

The therapy team

Our diverse and resilient team brings deep empathy and a strong understanding of the unique needs of our clients, ensuring they receive tailored and compassionate support.

Natasha Cox
Natasha Cox
Forensic Therapist

Specialises in working with clients that have experienced trauma, abuse, PTSD and C-PTSD.

Qualifications to be confirmed
Rory Burriss
Rory Burriss
Counsellor

I am Rory. I took a long route to becoming a counsellor. I have a diversity of life experiences which matches my more than 65 years. I have found my experience to be very valuable when working with clients, both in prison, and on supervision orders. I have been counselling these clients for more than ten years. I am a qualified BACP registered counsellor, I have taken additional training in substance misuse and for telephone and cyber counselling, all of which I am certificated for. A great many of my clients have had few, or no opportunities to talk about their feelings and experiences, with someone who genuinely listens and actively tries to see the world through their eyes. I try to provide that opportunity, and am pleased to say that many clients respond positively, express their trust in our service, and seize their chance with both hands.

BACP Registered Counsellor

Training & qualifications

We are committed to continually enhancing our skills through specialist training and additional qualifications, and we stay current on the evolving needs of those in the CJS.

Complex PTSD
Specialist training
Personality disorders
Specialist training
STOPSO
Specialist knowledge of working with sex offenders
Transactional Analysis
Theory-based practice
MSc Psychology
Advanced degree held within the team
Naturopathy diplomas
Focus on ‘Molecules of Emotion’

Professional affiliations

We are members of professional organisations as part of our commitment to best practice for clients and to professional standards.

BACP
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
NCS
National Counselling Society

Associated networks

We network closely with associated organisations to provide broader support to our clients, including assistance with accommodation and employment after release.

Futures Unlocked
Offender mentoring
We believe that no one is beyond help.
Our approach focuses on making meaningful connections and positively impacting the lives of those who are often overlooked and marginalised.

Confidentiality has limits. As we work with criminal justice agencies, some information (risk of harm, safeguarding concerns, court-directed reports) may be shared. Read more.