John Obalum

John Obalum is an AASW counsellor who helps people dealing with family conflict, trauma and abuse, intimacy concerns, parenting strain and anger. He speaks English and Igbo and aims to make starting therapy feel straightforward and manageable. John writes in plain language and encourages practical first steps for people who are worried and uncertain.

He draws on seven years of work across mental health and child protection settings. That background means he is familiar with family systems and the pressures that can come from parenting, separation and relationship strain. He has also worked with young people navigating identity issues and the fallout from trauma.

In sessions John aims to create an open, non-judgemental space where clients can speak honestly about thoughts and feelings. He listens actively and uses empathy to help people find clearer next steps rather than just naming problems. Sessions focus on concrete strategies alongside time to talk.

John uses a mix of approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, client-centred and existential ideas, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing. He adapts these methods to each person so conversations and exercises match what they want to change. This practical mix helps with problems like impulsivity, anger, guilt, isolation and communication breakdown.

People often come for help with midlife questions, money stress and issues around attachment or abandonment. John encourages starting with a small, manageable goal and building from there. To begin, visitors complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule sessions according to his availability.

How his approaches translate to online therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying what matters to a person and taking small actions that align with those values. It often helps when frustration, anger or avoidance get in the way of everyday goals. Client-Centred Therapy emphasises being heard and understood; this approach makes room for people to tell their story while the therapist reflects and follows the client’s lead. Motivational Interviewing uses curious, non-confrontational questions to help people find their own reasons to change and can be useful for impulsivity and sticking to new habits.

Finding the right approach is usually a joint process. The therapist will talk with the client about what feels most helpful and try different ways of working until a good fit emerges. That collaborative stance lets sessions focus on practical next steps that match the person’s life and priorities.

The biography does not list specific online formats, so confirm available session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also let people use a quieter environment, choose whether to be on camera, or schedule sessions around work or school commitments. Appropriately qualified therapists will discuss how to structure sessions so they best suit each person’s needs.