Mary Shiels, BACP
Mary Shiels uses a person-centred and practical approach to therapy.
About Mary
Mary Shiels uses a person-centred and practical approach to therapy. She combines talking therapies with evidence-based techniques to help people manage stress, anxiety, grief and trauma. Mary is a BACP counsellor and brings three years of practice to each appointment.
Her sessions aim to be straightforward and calm. She listens first, then helps people spot patterns that keep problems going. That might mean trying simple behavioural steps, working on emotional regulation, or paying attention to attachment patterns that shape relationships.
Background and approach
Mary has a particular focus on LGBT concerns alongside general mood difficulties such as depression, panic and social anxiety. She also offers help for people coping with loss, trauma and abuse, and for those struggling with body image or feelings of isolation. Her approach is flexible and shaped around what each person needs.
She uses a mix of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, cognitive work and emotion-focused methods to tackle unhelpful thoughts and build skills for managing difficult feelings. Dialectical and attachment-aware ideas are used when emotional regulation or relationship patterns are the main issue. Sessions are practical and aimed at small, manageable changes.
Mary also supports people dealing with caregiver stress, control issues, separation or life-purpose questions. Her style is warm and direct, with a focus on helping people regain a sense of steadiness and connection.
Registration
| Body | Registration number | Expires |
|---|---|---|
| BACP | 401572 | November 2026 |
Registration details are as listed on the counsellor's public profile. You can check any number with the registering body.
Sessions and payment
Sessions are held online through our partner platform, by video, phone or messaging depending on the counsellor.
Costs are shown on the partner platform before you commit. If cost is a concern, ask about reduced-fee options.
Focus areas and approaches
What Mary works with
Everything Mary lists, in their own terms.
- Stress, Anxiety
- LGBT
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Depression
- Attachment issues
- Body image
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Communication problems
- Control issues
- Divorce and separation
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Isolation / loneliness
- Life purpose
- Mood disorders
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Post-traumatic stress
- Self-love
- Social anxiety and phobia
Approaches Mary lists
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Attachment-Based Therapy
- Client-Centred Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
- Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Existential Therapy
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each counsellor names and does not check training records.
Online support
Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Mary will work with each person to test what helps and adjust techniques as needed. The goal is to find practical tools that match the person's goals, preferences and everyday life.
Online therapy can be easier to fit into a busy routine. Video calls let a therapist and client work face to face from different places. Phone sessions can be useful when bandwidth is limited or when a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text-based messaging support people who prefer writing and those who want ongoing, flexible contact between sessions. Registered or accredited professionals use these options to offer therapy that is accessible and adaptable to different needs.
Frequently asked
What concerns does Mary commonly help with?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, grief and trauma. Additional focuses include body image, attachment issues, panic and social anxiety.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is person-centred and practical. She blends acceptance, cognitive and emotion-focused methods to help people make small changes.
How much experience does she have?
Mary has three years of clinical experience working with the listed concerns. She draws on that time to shape individual treatment plans.
What credentials and location are listed?
Mary is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, shown as BACP. She practises in the United Kingdom.
Which languages and international options are available?
Sessions are offered in English. She is open to working with international clients.
What session formats does she offer?
Therapy formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging. Multiple formats allow flexibility for different needs.
How are costs handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and uses a subscription model. The subscription can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Press the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session according to therapist availability.
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