Shea McCartney, BACP, NCPS
Shea McCartney is a counsellor with four years of professional experience.
About Shea
Shea McCartney is a counsellor with four years of professional experience. He specialises in supporting people through anxiety, depression, trauma and grief. Shea holds BACP status as a Registered Member (MBACP) and is an Accredited Member of the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (MNCPS Accred).
He trained at master's level, gaining an MSc in Counselling and Therapeutic Communication with Professional Practice, and earlier studied a BSc in Sociology with Psychology.
Background and approach
His background includes work in NHS mental health services, child protection, trauma support and suicide intervention organisations. Those roles shaped his interest in trauma-informed practice and informed how he responds to distress. Shea places the relationship between counsellor and client at the centre of his work.
He aims to create a warm, non-judgemental space where people feel heard and accepted. Sessions often begin with listening and making sense of what matters most to the person sitting in front of him. He draws on a mix of approaches to match each person’s needs, including client-centred ways of working, cognitive behavioural techniques and psychodynamic thinking.
Shea also uses solution-focused methods and trauma-focused ideas when these suit the work. He adapts pace and style to the individual rather than forcing a single method. People come for many reasons including relationship and family issues, parenting strain, sleep problems, work stress, identity concerns and difficulties connected to abuse or grief.
Shea aims to help people understand their feelings, try practical steps that can ease distress and find manageable ways forward.
Registration
| Body | Registration number | Expires |
|---|---|---|
| BACP | 393429 | September 2027 |
| NCPS | NCS22-00535 | February 2024 |
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 Shea works with
Everything Shea lists, in their own terms.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Self esteem
- Depression
- LGBT
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Intimacy-related issues
- Sleeping disorders
- Parenting issues
- Anger management
- Career difficulties
- Coping with life changes
- Compassion fatigue
- Abandonment
- BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture
- Blended family issues
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Chronic pain, illness, and disability
- Codependency
- Commitment issues
- Communication problems
- Divorce and separation
- Domestic violence
- Emptiness
- Family problems
- First responder issues
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Immigration issues
- Infidelity
- Isolation / loneliness
- Jealousy
- Life purpose
- Men's issues
- Midlife crisis
- Multicultural concerns
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Self-harm
- Self-love
- Sexual assault and abuse
- Sexuality
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Women's issues
- Workplace issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches Shea lists
- Client-Centred Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
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
He also draws on psychodynamic ideas to look at patterns that repeat across relationships and life stages. That can help when past experiences keep shaping current reactions. These approaches are used to suit the person, not to force a single model.
Finding the right way of working is part of the process and a collaborative effort. Shea will discuss goals and preferences with each person and recommend methods that fit their needs. The plan can change as the work progresses, with pace and focus agreed together.
If you are considering online work, please confirm current session options before booking. Registered and accredited professionals, including therapists, can offer online sessions in different ways; check which formats this therapist provides. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, reduce travel, allow shorter check-ins when needed and avoid being on camera if preferred. These practical benefits often help people continue regular work between sessions.
Frequently asked
What concerns does Shea commonly help people with?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief and trauma, plus intimacy and relationship difficulties. Additional areas include family strains, parenting, sleep problems and compassion fatigue.
What is Shea's style of therapy?
His approach centres on being heard and accepted, then using methods that fit the person. He blends client-centred listening with practical techniques when helpful.
What experience does he bring to sessions?
Shea has four years of experience and has worked in NHS mental health services, child protection, trauma support and suicide intervention settings.
What credentials and location are shown on his profile?
He is listed as a BACP Therapist - Registered Member (MBACP) and as an NCPS Therapist - Accredited Member (MNCPS Accred). He practises in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English only.
Can people outside the UK work with him?
He does not work with international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with Shea?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.
Update or remove this listing
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