About
Welcome to the Bodhi Tree
My name is Christopher Ryan, and I am the founder of The Bodhi Tree. I am a qualified therapeutic counsellor with a diploma in Therapeutic Counselling accredited by the CPCAB (Counselling & Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body). I am also a member of the BACP (British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy) and adhere to the ethical framework of this professional body.
Now that that stuff is out the way, let’s be honest. Looking for a therapist can feel pretty daunting. You decide you might need to talk to someone, search online, and suddenly you’re scrolling through pages of smiling faces, all saying more or less the same thing. The titles and initials next to our names might not mean a great deal to you. This specialism, that theory, these many years, those qualifications.
So how do you tell us apart?
In the end, what really matters is whether we connect. The research backs this up, and my experience does too. You will get a small sense of me from this website, but you will not really know whether I am someone you feel comfortable with, someone you could talk to openly, until we meet.
That is why I offer a free initial chat and, where appropriate, a free introductory session with no pressure or commitment. If we decide to continue, we will work out a regular time and fee that suits. And if we do not, that is okay too. You will still be one step closer to knowing what you are looking for in a therapist.
My Approach
I work integratively, which means I do not believe every person should be squeezed into the same model of therapy. People are complicated. What helps one person may not help another.
Some people come to therapy knowing exactly what they want to talk about. Others arrive with only a vague sense that something is not quite right. Both are welcome. Part of the work may be finding the words together.
For some people, therapy is about being heard properly for the first time. For others, it is about noticing patterns, understanding relationships, working through painful experiences, or being gently challenged.
I am warm, curious about who you are, and fully present in our work. I am not a passive therapist who simply sits back in silence. I listen carefully, but I also ask questions, reflect patterns, and help you think more deeply about what you bring.
My role is to help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself. Change often follows.
Men & Therapy
Over the years, I have become particularly known for my work with men.
I understand that for many men, asking for help can feel unfamiliar, uncomfortable or long overdue.
Creating a space where men feel able to talk openly has become an important part of my work and I feel deeply privileged to do so.