Jake Hannabuss
Psychotherapist in Stroud

I am a qualified psychodynamic counsellor and psychotherapist offering a warm, reflective, and confidential space to explore what may feel difficult, confusing, or painful in your life. My approach is grounded in the belief that our past experiences - especially early relationships - can shape how we relate to ourselves and others in the present.
Together, we can begin to make sense of repeating patterns, emotional struggles, or anxieties that may feel stuck or hard to understand. I work at depth, helping you to uncover what lies beneath the surface, with curiosity and compassion rather than judgement.
I have experience working with a wide range of issues including anxiety, loss, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, identity, and transitions. My aim is not to offer quick fixes, but to support genuine, lasting change through a collaborative and trusting therapeutic relationship.
Sessions can take place in person or online, offering a consistent and safe space to think together about whatever feels most pressing or unresolved in your life right now.

Background & Psychotherapy Qualifications

Alongside my work as a psychodynamic counsellor and psychotherapist, I have spent over two decades working in commercial aviation, where I currently serve as an airline captain and training instructor. This unique background has given me a deep understanding of human behaviour under pressure, the importance of communication and trust, and the ways in which people manage anxiety, responsibility, and change.
My therapeutic practice grew out of my own experience of therapy and a longstanding interest in what lies beneath the surface of our everyday lives. I trained in psychodynamic counselling through Gloucestershire Counselling Service, where I had the privilege to work with a diverse range of clients and presentations.
I continue to develop my practice through regular supervision and ongoing professional development. My work is grounded in the belief that through insight and reflection, it is possible to find new perspectives and a more compassionate understanding of oneself - even in the most challenging circumstances.

My Specialisms

My work often focuses on helping people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, or a sense of being stuck in repeating emotional patterns. Together, we can explore the underlying feelings and experiences that may be shaping these challenges, with the aim of understanding - not just managing - what lies beneath them.
I have a particular interest in the many forms that anxiety can take, from general unease and overthinking to panic, self-doubt, and fear of judgment. Within relationships, I work with clients who experience difficulty trusting others, managing conflict, or finding closeness and connection.
Drawing on my background as an airline captain, I also offer specialist support for those struggling with a fear of flying. This combines psychological insight with an insider's understanding of the aviation environment, helping to demystify the flying experience and reduce the anxiety that can accompany it.
Underlying all of my work is a commitment to creating a safe, consistent space where together we can think about what feels most difficult - and begin to move towards greater self-understanding and emotional freedom.

Approach to Psychotherapy & How I Work

My approach is rooted in psychodynamic therapy, which means I'm interested in how our past experiences - particularly our earliest relationships - continue to shape the way we feel, think, and relate to others in the present. Often, patterns formed long ago can play out unconsciously in our adult lives, leaving us feeling anxious, frustrated, or unfulfilled without fully understanding why.
In therapy, I offer a consistent and confidential space to explore these experiences together. I listen carefully, not only to what is being said but also to what might be felt but harder to express. Over time, this process can help bring what is unconscious into awareness, allowing for new perspectives, understanding, and change.
The therapeutic relationship itself is central to this work. It provides a live and unique space where patterns of relating can gently unfold and be thought about together. I work collaboratively, without judgement, and at a pace that feels manageable for you - supporting you to make sense of your experiences and to find your own voice within them.
While my orientation is psychodynamic, I draw on a range of influences from my background in aviation and human factors - particularly around communication, self-awareness, and resilience - to help make sense of the challenges of everyday life.

Therapies & Rates

Please note the rates detailed below are there to give you an idea of the therapists standard rates, we strongly advise you contact the therapist for more detailed rates and any offers they may have.

Therapy	Appointment Type	Rate
Counselling	In Person	£55 per 50 minutes
Counselling	Online/Telephone	£55 per 50 minutes
Psychotherapy	In Person	£55 per 50 minutes
Psychotherapy	Online/Telephone	£55 per 50 minutes

Additional Rate Information

I recognise that cost can sometimes be a barrier to starting therapy. I hold a small number of reduced-fee spaces for those who may need some financial flexibility, such as students or people on lower incomes. If this might be helpful for you, we can talk about it together when you make contact.