Boxing Therapy & Mentoring
Helping young people and adults build strength in body and mind.
meet al
I'm Al - a boxing coach and therapeutic counsellor. I've spent over 20 years in gyms, and the last several years combining that with counselling training. My sessions aren't just about fitness, and they're not formal therapy. They sit in the middle - a space where movement and conversation work together.
Mind
Boxing Therapy
These sessions combine boxing training and talk therapy to create the right environment for the client to face any issues and behaviours that they are struggling with.
Boxing therapy sessions are a mix of simple boxing training and supportive conversation, designed to help young people feel better both physically and emotionally. Using pads, movement, and basic boxing skills, sessions give them a safe way to release stress, build confidence, and learn how to manage their feelings.
Alongside the training, there’s space to talk and be listened to, helping them make sense of what’s going on in their lives in a calm, supportive environment.
who i work with
You Don’t Have to Have It Figured Out
My sessions are for people who want support but aren’t sure traditional therapy is for them — or who find it easier to open up when they’re doing something physical at the same time.
I work with:
– Young people dealing with anxiety, low confidence, anger, or difficult behaviour
– Young people who struggle to engage in more traditional talking-based support
– Adults navigating stress, emotional overwhelm, or a difficult period in life
– Adults who want to build resilience, focus, and a stronger sense of self
– Anyone who finds it easier to talk while they’re moving
Sessions are one-to-one, tailored to you, and held in a calm, non-judgmental environment. There’s no pressure to talk about anything you’re not ready for.
Mind
Boxing Mentoring Sessions
These sessions enable you to talk in a confidential and supportive space with Al who listens with no judgement.
My boxing mentoring sessions combine purposeful physical training with meaningful mental and emotional support for both adults and young people.
Drawing on over 20 years of coaching experience and my work as a therapeutic counsellor, these sessions use boxing as a powerful, practical tool to help people navigate the challenges of everyday life. The training builds confidence, discipline, and resilience through structured physical activity, while the mentoring element provides space for reflection, conversation, and personal growth.
This is not just a boxing session, and not a formal therapy session — it sits in the middle. A safe, supportive environment where movement, challenge, and dialogue come together to help individuals build strength in both body and mind.
Sessions are tailored to the individual and can support with confidence, emotional regulation, focus, stress, behaviour, and overall wellbeing.
Mind
Counselling
These are talking sessions that can be used by anyone for a variety of issues and can work with adults and young people.
Al is a holistic therapist therapist registered with the BACP. He has worked with the NHS and National Charities alongside individuals who have been struggling with anxious thoughts, low mood, emotional problems, substance abuse and bereavement. He has a particular interest in trauma and how it can often be at the root of the difficult issues we face, in many cases without us realising it.
The counselling sessions are led by you and can be about anything. Al will provide a space that is confidential and where you will face no judgement or pressure. Though people often wait till crisis point to have counselling the benefits of coming before can be valuable.
Al can offer counselling face to face, walk and talk, online or on the telephone.
Mind
Strengthen
A trauma informed course in boxing or martial arts.
This course is run over 6 sessions and can be done in small groups or one to one.
It involves focusing on a different aspect of boxing training, while illustrating how this can help someone understand the situations that have affected them from the past. From here we will create the space to acknowledge what has happened to them and most importantly how to move forward with their lives. With an increased sense of strength and belief in themselves.
Self-Esteem focused training. These sessions help the person realise their inherent value and strengths. From here we look to build on them while at the same time building their physical abilities. This combination enables them to not only feel more confident in the gym but in all areas of their lives. They will know that they are capable to do the things they were scared to do before.
Body
Training
Training sessions take place at Legions Gym in York. It is a state-of-the-art combat sports and fitness- facility with free parking. Here you can work towards your goals whatever they maybe.
Al is a part of the boxing coaching team at the gym and works with novices through to international fighters. He loves to help people find that inner strength and confidence as they get more capable, fitter and stronger. He is a trauma informed coach and qualified to teach muay thai and reality based self defence.
If you are looking to change the way you look and feel, the sessions will leave you energised and feeling at your best both physically and mentally.
Body
Conditioning
If you are looking to perform at your best physically then sessions can include conditioning that is tailored to you. These can be for goals such as running a 5k in a certain time or hitting them strength PB’s. Most clients enjoy incorporating conditioning as part of their sessions, usually after pad-work. It’s a great way to push your limits and develop your resilience in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Conditioning sessions will be different every time to prevent boredom and enable you to face a fresh challenge every time.
It is important to know that you will work at a level that is bespoke to you. They will be challenging but manageable. The idea that sessions need to kill you off every time is nonsense. Everyone is different and will be treated as such at Phoenix Training.
Body
Weight loss
If you are looking to change the way you look, we can help. This will be in a way tailored to you, helping you with nutrition and food choices that will enable you to take control. There will be no generic diets, or punishing calorie deficits that are impossible to adhere to.
At phoenix we look to enable you to develop an intuitive way to eat so that you understand what is going on for you and your relationship with food as it is such an individual thing. Non judgemental support will be available so that any time you’re struggling a coach will be on hand to help.
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Contact
Get in touch
Call us
07773 448821
Find us
Legions Gym Boxing Club, Unit 1a, Foxoak park, Common Ln, Dunnington, York YO19 5RZ
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