Sue MacMillan, BACP

Many people find that short, evidence-based methods help them manage anxiety, low mood and relationship stress. Cognitive approaches focus on changing unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviours to reduce anxiety and improve mood. These methods give clear steps you can try between sessions to see what helps. Another useful way of working is focused on patterns in relationships and attachment. This looks at how early ways of relating affect current friendships and partnerships, and helps people recognise and shift those patterns. For issues like guilt, shame or repeated control struggles, this approach aims to make reactions easier to understand and change. Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss options and try methods that match your goals and preferences. This is a collaborative process where you and the therapist test what feels most useful and adjust as you go. Online sessions offer practical benefits. Video calls let you see facial expressions and work more like an in-person meeting. Phone sessions need less bandwidth and can be easier to fit into a short break. Live chat or text-based messaging can suit people who prefer written communication or want to check in between longer sessions. These options make it simpler to keep therapy consistent around work, family and other commitments.