Lisa Roberts, BACP

Client-centred work puts the person and their priorities first. In practice this means the counsellor listens closely, follows what matters most to the person, and helps them set their own goals. This approach is useful for relationship worries, self-esteem issues, grief and many other concerns.

Cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It uses simple techniques to test unhelpful thoughts and try new responses, which can help with anxiety, low mood and sleep problems.

Mindfulness methods teach practical ways to notice the present moment and reduce reactivity. Short exercises can help with stress, overthinking and building steady routines.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals, try different ways of working, and agree together what fits best with a person’s needs and preferences. This is a collaborative process rather than a fixed prescription.

Online sessions make it easier to fit therapy into busy lives. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when that matters. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can be simpler for quick check-ins. Live chat and text-based messaging suit people who prefer writing or need flexible timing. These options help people access consistent support across time zones and everyday schedules.