Jacob Mangelsdorf, PACFA

Jacob Mangelsdorf is an experienced counsellor who has supported people since 2008, bringing 18 years of clinical practice to work with clients facing family of origin wounds, relationship difficulties, adult and childhood trauma, addictions, loss and grief, mental health challenges and stress-related issues.

He adapts his methods to each person's context, drawing on lessons learned from clients to shape interventions that fit individual needs. Jacob uses a compassionate inquiry stance to explore how a person arrived at their current situation, to identify sources of stress or distress, and to collaborate on practical steps that help clients move toward the life they want, aligned with their values and boundaries.

His foundation is a person-centred, holistic approach where context is central, and he integrates elements of ACT, DBT, CBT, Gottman couples therapy and family therapy as client needs indicate. Jacob also has extensive experience with loss and grief, including work related to suicide and suicide intervention. He particularly enjoys working with men to support more fulfilling relationships, work and life outcomes.

Jacob lists PACFA among his professional credentials. Outside the counselling room he is a father of two and a husband, and he draws on family time, sport, running and music as important parts of his self-care and clinical perspective.

Evidence-based approaches for flexible online therapy

Jacob frequently uses a person-centred, holistic approach that focuses on understanding the whole person and the context of their difficulties, which helps with relationship issues, family problems and stress-related concerns. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is another approach he draws on; it helps people clarify their values and develop psychological flexibility to respond differently to difficult thoughts and feelings. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques are used to identify and shift unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour, which can be effective for anxiety, depression and many stress-related problems.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapy process. Jacob works collaboratively with each client to determine which methods best suit their needs, goals and preferences, adjusting techniques over time so therapy stays relevant and effective for the individual.

Online sessions by video call, phone, live chat or text messaging offer flexibility for people balancing work, family and other commitments. These options make it easier to attend sessions from different locations and can support consistent progress when in-person visits are difficult. Appropriately qualified or registered professionals can adapt these approaches to deliver meaningful therapeutic work across each of these formats.