John Obalum, AASW

John Obalum is an AASW counsellor who helps people facing family strain, trauma and abuse, intimacy difficulties, parenting pressures and anger. He also supports people working through midlife reassessment, feelings of abandonment, attachment concerns, isolation and issues around life purpose. John speaks English and Igbo and aims to make first contact as straightforward as possible.

John takes a calm, non-judgemental approach. He listens actively and reflects what he hears so people feel understood. Sessions focus on practical ways to manage strong feelings and to improve communication within relationships.

He draws on acceptance and commitment ideas to help people notice what matters most to them and take small, values-based steps. He also uses client-centred listening and mindfulness practices to slow things down and build clarity in anxious moments.

Over seven years he has worked in mental health and child protection settings and has supported young people struggling with identity concerns. That background informs his practical, down-to-earth style in sessions and his focus on safety when talking about trauma and family conflict.

John aims to work with each person to set realistic goals. He encourages straightforward conversations about what is and isn’t helping. People can expect a collaborative process that balances empathy with clear strategies for change.

How his approaches translate to online counselling

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people clarify what matters to them and take small, practical steps towards those values. It can be useful for life transitions, midlife questions and unhelpful patterns of avoidance. Client-Centred Therapy focuses on empathetic listening and creating a respectful space where a person can talk through difficult feelings and decisions.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. John will discuss options with each person and decide together which methods suit their needs, goals and preferences. That collaborative process can include trying different ways of working and adjusting as progress is made.

Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life and reduce travel time. It can also allow shorter check-ins when needed or sessions that do not require being on camera if that helps someone engage. Specific session formats are not listed here, so confirm current options before booking to ensure they meet your needs and routines.