Professional Bio
Mike Swift BA, DipHIC, DipPAT is a BACP registered integrative counsellor and psychotherapist working with individuals and couples in private practice in central Bristol and online.
His work integrates psychodynamic, person-centred, Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR and somatic approaches within a relational, intersubjective framework. Rather than viewing these as separate modalities, he draws on each according to the needs of the individual, recognising that different therapeutic approaches often provide complementary ways of working with the same underlying psychological processes.
He holds a post-graduate diploma in psychedelic-assisted therapy and offers psychedelic-integration therapy: a space for those wishing to explore, or needing help with their own psychedelic experiences. He does not provide or work with psychedelic substances in the UK.
Mike’s philosophy is grounded in the understanding that many forms of psychological distress—whether experienced as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma, addiction or other emotional struggles can reflect underlying developmental and relational patterns that have evolved over the course of a person’s life. He sees symptoms not simply as problems to eliminate, but as meaningful expressions of unhealed wounding that invite deeper understanding and transformation.
His work is informed by psychedelic-assisted healing, attachment theory, trauma research. He also has a particular interest in how perinatal and intergenerational psychology contribute to a richer understanding of human development and psychological change.
Mike works with adults and couples from a wide range of backgrounds, offering a therapeutic relationship characterised by warmth, curiosity, openness and collaboration. His aim is to create a container in which people can develop a deeper understanding of themselves, loosen long-standing patterns, and move towards greater freedom, authenticity and connection.
Press
Mike is available for interviews or comment around trauma-therapy, and psychedelics - mike@mikeswift.co.uk