Mike Ogden
You’ve met the service, now meet the person.
Mike leads MJO Wellbeing Services Ltd, a counselling practice based in Cawdor.
His approach is calm, grounded and relational, offering adults, children and young people a steady space to explore what may feel difficult or uncertain.
Hi, I’m Mike Ogden (he/him), and for over 25 years I have worked alongside children and young people across primary and secondary education. My background includes pastoral leadership and youth justice, experiences that have shaped my understanding of behaviour, belonging and emotional safety.
I hold an HND in Counselling and a Diploma in Counselling Children and Young People. I provide professional counselling for adults and counselling with Play as Therapy for children and young people in Cawdor.
Supporting Behaviour and Belonging
In a previous role, I led an initiative that improved behaviour and attendance across Years 7 to 11, achieving a 33 percent reduction in low-level incidents and a 45 percent reduction in high-level incidents.
This work centred on understanding what sat underneath behaviour, identifying patterns and triggers, and working relationally with young people and staff to create meaningful, practical change.
Multi-Agency Experience
Throughout my career, I have supported children and young people facing anxiety, bullying, family breakdown, identity questions and neurodevelopmental differences.
I have worked alongside parents, educational psychologists, CAMHS, school nurses and social workers, contributing to joined-up conversations while maintaining clear professional boundaries.
Practice Philosophy
At the core of my work is relationship.
I believe growth happens when people feel seen, heard and supported. Trust is not assumed, it is built.
Whether working with adults or young people, I bring consistency, compassion and steadiness to the therapeutic space.
Lived Experience and Ongoing Development
My own experiences have shaped my commitment to equity, reflection and continual learning.
I remain engaged in ongoing professional development and personal reflection to ensure my practice remains thoughtful, ethical and responsive.
I am fully insured and hold an enhanced PVG certificate for work with children and adults.
Small steps. Steady growth. That’s the work.

Training
PVG Checked
Public Liability & Indemnity Insurance (Including Therapy Dog)
BACP Student Member
Relax Kids License
Information Commissioner's Office Registered
2024
Relax Kids Coach Training
Decider Skills
HNC, Counselling
Child Exploitation Training
2022
Mentoring Training via the Scottish Mentoring Network
2021
Designated Safeguarding Lead Training.
Basic Boxall Profile Online Competency Course.
ADHA - eLearning Module.
Attachment & Loss - eLearning Module.
Autism - eLearning Module.
Child Sexual Exploitation Training.
GDPR Awareness.
Impulsive Behaviours - eLearning Module.
Introduction to Therapeutic Parenting - eLearning Module.
Online Safety & Cyberbullying - eLearning Module.
Social Media, Selfies & Sexting - eLearning Module.
Managing Challenging Behaviours - eLearning Module.
Working as Part of a Multi-Agency Team for Foster Carers - eLearning Module.
Supporting the Mental Health Needs of Looked After Children - eLearning Module.
County Line - eLearning Module.
Positive Behaviour Support - eLearning Module
2020
Supporting Young People to Break the Cycle of Self-Harm.
Break the Cycle of Emotionally Based School Avoidance (School Refusal).
2018
Parental Mental Health & Families.
Memberships
2014
Bachelor of Science (Hons) Open.
A degree from the Open University covering Children's Literature & ICT.