Mark Pengelly Integrative Therapist
Hello, I'm Mark. I'm a disability-affirmative Integrative Therapist (MBACP and NCPS registered). I specialise in working with disabilities, chronic illness and trauma. I am person-centred and Trauma-Informed, using multiple approaches including Transactional Analysis and CBT.I hold sessions online, in my home practice in Shoeburyness, South-End on Sea, Essex and outside sessions on East Beach. I am accessibility-conscious and provide full accessibility information(link). I am currently looking for a fully accessible room for hire locally too.I've seen how disability or chronic illness can impact our identity, our self-esteem and our relationships. We might develop a complicated relationship to receiving care and being independent. Facing a world not built for us, as well as ableism and trauma, can be difficult to cope with. But I've also seen the incredible strength, resourcefulness and resilience of the disabled community – including in those who struggle to see it in themselves.
About me
I have a life-long progressive neurological condition and use a wheelchair part-time, so I understand the challenges faced by people with a disability.I have always been disabled, but it was a word I found very difficult growing up with. However, because I have not had carers or a PA, I have had what I can only describe as an Imposter Syndrome around my disability; I have not been disabled enough. For a large part of my life I didn’t feel I belonged in either camp. I say this as living in this ‘grey area’ took a lot of energy for me, spending a lot of time with my Superman Cape on trying to prove myself to the world.Thankfully, I've learned that life doesn’t have to be that way.
“…The simple truth is that we all, disabled and nondisabled alike, struggle with the cultural phenomenon of disability… As humans, difference is something we find hard”Brian Watermeyer, 2013
Approach
I'm an Integrative Therapist, which means I use a variety of therapeutic approaches depending on what is most helpful for you. I use a person-centred approach, which means I focus on you as a whole individual first, not just the problems you are facing.My main approaches include Transactional Analysis and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I am also trauma-informed and disability-affirmative.
Transactional Analysis
Transactional Analysis works with the relationships we have within ourselves, such as having an inner parent, adult and child, and the patterns that these can create in our lives and relationships. This can be especially helpful for understanding our relationships to care and independence within ourselves and from others.When we start to recognise if we are responding emotionally, critically, or rationally in a situation, we can choose healthier ways to communicate. Shifting towards the Adult state allows conversations to become more balanced, respectful and solution-focused with less conflict and misunderstandings.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT considers how our patterns of thoughts and behaviour can contribute to our problems and provides strategies to tackle these. I use CBT in a socially-conscious way, that doesn't downplay the impact of society (such as ableism) on our problems. I use it to reframe our difficulties and interpretations in a way that acknowledges the reality and gives credence to our skills and strength, as well as the good in the world.
Trauma-Informed
I am a Trauma-Informed Therapist and use a three-stage approach. This means I am trained to help process trauma in a safe and contained way, moving from establishing a safe base and therapeutic relationship, to processing the trauma and finally recovering and reconnecting to life. I also use polyvagal theory, which works with the impact of trauma on the body.
Disability-Affirmative
I am disability-affirmative and work from the social model of disability. I'm aware of the challenges that society presents us, whether that's day-to-day microaggressions or the difficulty of accessing what we need to live independently and well. I also believe in the strength, creativity and resourcefulness of our disabled and chronically-ill community.I teach other therapists to work better with disabled clients, training them on models of disability, ableism, microaggressions, accessibility and providing reasonable adjustments. I also run weekly support groups for disabled people at Spokz People CIC.Watch a video about the social model of disability below.
Inclusive practice
I warmly welcome people from all walks of life, regardless of gender or sexual identity, race, religion, class, health status or neurodivergence.I am LGBTQIA+ friendly and a proud father to my trans son, which is an ongoing journey for us both. I welcome people from all walks of life to my practice, regardless of race, religion, or socio-economic background.
Expertise
Specialisms
I specialise in working with disability, chronic illness and trauma – including people's partners and carers.This can include the impact of disability or illness on:
self-esteem
relationships
health and wellbeing, including anxiety and depression
work and finances
relationships to care and independence
sense-of-self, including internalised ableism
loneliness and belonging
grief and loss
For trauma, I use the three-stage approach of safety and stabilisation, remembrance and mourning, and reconnection and integration. I prioritise a safe and gentle approach to trauma recovery, and work with all kinds of trauma and difficult life experiences.
I also work with people in recovery from addiction.I've been in recovery for addiction for over 7 years, so I understand the challenges of recovery. I have training in substance misuse and can work with 12 step approaches.
Experience
I'm the incoming Clinical Lead at Spokz People CIC, where I facilitate group therapy and support for disabled people. I also train other therapists to work better with people with disabilities.I have a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, a Certificate in Counselling Skills and a Practitioner Diploma in Cognitive-Behavioural Counselling, all from Victoria Counselling and Training Services.I've undertaken a Foundation Diploma in Therapeutic Safety in Trauma from The Beech Practice Ltd (qualifying 2026).I'm MBACP Registered and NCPS Accredited, so you can have confidence that I am fully qualified and meet the professional and ethical standards of both professional standards bodies.I also undertake regular CPD (continued professional development) training in a variety of subjects including disability and faith, bereavement, suicidality and alcohol misuse.MBACP Registered Member No. 00977681NCPS Accredited Member No. NCS23-00373I am covered by Holistic Insurance.
Location & Fees
Fees
Concession rate (available on enquiry)
Standard rate £50
Solidarity rate (to help to fund low-cost places) £60Sessions last for 50 minutes. This can be adapted as a reasonable adjustment without additional cost – get in touch to check availability.I also help facilitate weekly group sessions for disabled people through my work with Spokz People CIC.
Location
I aim to make my practice as accessible as possible, so I provide a range of options to meet.We can meet:
at my home practice in Shoeburyness, Southend-on-Sea (please note I have a pet cat living with me, in case of allergies)
outside on East Beach
online via Google Meet (captions can be enabled). I am happy to use alternative media too if preferred for communication aids.
home visits
If we are to work together outside or as a home visit, we will discuss this in more detail and I will need to carry out a risk assessment, for both your protection and mine.If working outside, we can arrange to meet free of charge to check if the area feels right for you. I suggest East Beach (George Street end) as there is both an Accessible Bathroom and Changing Room space available, am I also open to working in other spaces too.Please keep in mind this is not walk/wheel and talk sessions, this would be working in a fixed location in a public open space.
Cancellations and Charges
Should you need to cancel an appointment, please give a minimum of 24 hours notice.If 24 hours notice is not provided, the normal charge for the session will be made for the missed appointment. If there are conditions that may present challenges we can discuss this up front.Repeat cancellations
We will be unable to continue working together if you do not attend 2 counselling sessions without notice.
Accessibility Information
I am happy to talk about your accessibility needs and strive to be as accommodating as possible – email me with any questions or reasonable adjustments that you might need.My home practice is step free, but not fully wheelchair accessible. There is a parking space on my driveway, however there is a slope upwards to the house that might be a little difficult.East Beach is fully accessible with access to disabled toilets and changing rooms, and we can find a quiet spot that will maintain confidentiality.If you need to have a carer present during therapy, we can message in advance to check if there is anything you don't want to talk about in front of them, and to agree to an additional 3rd party contract for your carer.I understand that chronic illness can make life unpredictable, so I aim to be flexible around any scheduling issues that this can cause.For more information get in touch.
Get in touch
Please get in touch to check availability or book a free 15 minute consultation via phone or google meet.You are welcome to message me about any accessibility questions you may have.You can also contact me direct on 07572988318 and [email protected]
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