Gary McKendrick

I am a Counsellor, a Coach and a facilitator of Men's Retreats. However, prior to this it was an entirely different story. From 1994 to 2025, I have been in the not so glamorous asbestos industry. Starting at aged 18, I spent 16 years climbing the ranks with two employers and being very successful in two main areas: my career and my drinking habits.

My journey since then has been one of complete life & mindset overhaul. At aged 33, I was twice divorced, out of shape, perpetually hungover, and hating my corporate job, so I decided to make some changes, fuelled by reading this quote, "We all have two lives; the one we're currently living and the one we're capable of living". This really struck a chord.

So, it started on 13th December 2009; I quit the drink, then quit my job, joined a gym, broke off an engagement and signed up for some (CBT) counselling. I formed my own asbestos business in 2010, and it became quite successful, with 38 staff and a £4.1m annual turnover, but I found it unfulfilling. Interestingly, as this business grew, and I started to talk more about my recovery journey, I got invited to talk at events.

From 2016, I have spoken for recovery organisations, DWP, Girlguiding, NHS events & mental health charities like Mind. Then from January 2022, I commenced my counselling studies with the Level2 which led to the Foundation Degree being achieved in July 2025. I sold my asbestos business in March 2025, to allow me to focus on Two Lives and the fulfilling work of helping others achieve what I have done with life overhaul, change and transformation.

Director at Two Lives (TLC3) Ltd (2025-06 – Present)

I have naturally attracted mostly male clientele, and my services comprise individual sessions, in-person and online. However, I do also have experience working with females, young adults and children. I align with CBT as I know from my own experience how powerful it is however, I also consider myself pluralistic and will use other theories and techniques as appropriate with my clients.

I also provide training sessions & workshops on topics such as stress, boundaries and addictions. In Nov 2025 I hosted my first men's retreat in the Scottish Borders and have 2 weekend dates scheduled for 2026. I am currently writing a book titled 'Why you're addicted to the wrong things" due for release in July 2026.

I find this new career in the wellness space to be very fulfilling.

Trainee Counsellor (Placement) at Place 2Be, Seaham Trinity Primary School (2024-09 – 2025-06)

Trainee Counsellor working with children aged 6 to 11. I gained invaluable experience at this school, working mostly with boys on issues from anxiety, anger, grief and domestic abuse. I learnt a lot about safeguarding in this post.

Trainee Counsellor (Placement) at Lighthouse Therapy Group (2024-05 – 2025-03)

Trainee Counsellor working with adults aged 28 to 63. Again, I gained invaluable experience, working mostly with males, on issues from anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, grief and trauma.

Founder at Omega Asbestos Consulting Ltd (2010-06 – 2025-03)

Founded a new asbestos business and obtained UKAS accreditations. Marketing of a new brand and became known as specialists in the sectors of NHS, Healthcare, Telecoms, Education and Manufacturing. When I sold this business to Environmental Essentials Ltd in March 2025, we employed nearly 40 people, from 2 office locations, and had annual sales of £4.1m.

This role comprised a lot of 'counselling' with the issues that arose in employing people; from health, anxiety, depression, grief, divorces, relationship advice, addictions of drugs, alcohol, gambling, money/debt problems – you name it, I think I dealt with it.

Project Manager / Area Manager at Bureau Veritas (formerly Casella Hazmat) (2002-02 – 2010-04)

Started as Project Manager and over 8 years, I gained promotions leading to Area Manager responsible for the delivery of HSE Services in the North-East, Scotland & Ireland. I was the guy who worked hard and played hard; I enjoyed the party boy image I'd developed but really, I was hiding so much and numbing it with the booze. This job really introduced me to people management and leadership skills.

I learnt a lot here working for a large corporation which enabled me to go on and form my own business (albeit naively thinking it would be easy!) I resigned in 2010 to move on to form my own business, Omega, and make my own impact on the asbestos industry and focus on my own wellbeing.

Senior Analyst at ENSECON Laboratories Ltd (since acquired by Bodycote) (1994-10 – 2002-01)

Here for over 7yrs, from £2.05 trainee to Senior Analyst. I was the timid 18 yr old who lacked confidence, but I applied myself and did well. I was a reliable hard-working youngster, but I'd already got into some awful addictive behaviours which would only get worse from this point. I left for the opportunity at a larger company.

Foundation Degree in Counselling – University of Sunderland (2022-01 – 2025-07)