Michael Firmstone

With a profound commitment to mental health and well-being, I've transitioned from a successful 17-year IT career to embark on a transformative journey in psychology. My dedication to this field stems from personal triumphs over formidable mental health challenges. As evidenced by my first-class distinction in my master’s research on ayahuasca's psychological impact in westernized society and over a year's hands-on experience as a Mental Health Support Worker, including 100 hours of crisis line intervention for Shout, I offer a unique blend of technical expertise and psychological insight. Beyond traditional roles, my journey includes a transformative 3-month healing workshop in the jungles of Costa Rica. There, I immersed myself in practices such as inner child healing, breathwork, meditation, nutrition, and yoga, reinforcing my belief in the power of holistic healing modalities. My trajectory is set towards a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology, fueled by a desire to contribute meaningfully to both research and direct assistance. Having served as a technical lead solution architect in IT, I've honed invaluable skills in problem-solving, strategic planning, and effective communication. I am poised to leverage these skills to inform and enhance psychological research methodologies, while also applying psychological insights to develop innovative and impactful interventions for supporting individuals' mental and emotional well-being.

• OHSC Endorsed Level 5 diploma in Life Coaching Skills
• NursePlus certificate in support work and healthcare
• CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional)
• Prince 2 foundation

• Passionate about personal growth and emotional self-development.
• I have a deep appreciation for nature, enjoying activities like wild camping and long-distance hikes. In 2020, I completed a 1600km trek on the Camino De Santiago and embarked on a five-month exploration of Turkey, living in a Turkish yurt and trekking the Lycian Way and exploring the Antalya region.
• An enthusiastic member of the gig rowing club.
• I thrive on endurance running challenges across the globe, including the Kalahari Destert, Iceland, Gran Canaria and running from Paris to London.