About me
Hi, I'm Paula, a BSc Degree qualified counsellor and a registered BACP member. I work online with individual adults and couples who are experiencing a range of issues such as anxiety, trauma, relationship/family issues, major life events, bereavement, low self-esteem, depression and stress.
I work in an integrative way which means that I will employ different therapeutic methods to suit the unique issues that you are facing. I will listen to you in a warm, empathetic and non-judgmental way and work with you to explore your emotions in a safe and supportive environment. I aim to help you reflect and make sense of your issues and gain a greater understanding of yourself, and each other, so you can move forward.
I provide counselling to people living with chronic illnesses and disabilities. I have had Crohn's myself for many years and I have a passion for helping people who are facing major life-changing diagnoses, have concerns about upcoming surgery or are facing issues living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, crohns/colitis) and/or an ostomy (ileostomy/colostomy/urostomy). For my dissertation, I researched the psychological impact of stoma formation surgery and, having an ostomy myself, I can provide an exceptional level of understanding and empathy from my own life experience.
For couples, every relationship faces challenges, whether it's communication breakdowns, growing distance, or navigating life changes. I offer a safe, supportive space to explore what’s not working and rebuild the connection. Together, we’ll uncover patterns, strengthen communication, and foster understanding so you can move forward with renewed trust and closeness. If you're struggling, stuck, or simply want to grow together, help is here.
For a significant part of my adult life I lived overseas, in countries with different cultural values to the UK and I consider myself to have an awareness and sensitivity as to how culture and/or religion can be an influential factor.
Please get in touch to book a free 20-minute introductory call to have an informal chat about what brings you to therapy, answer questions about the process and see if we are a good fit.
Training, qualifications & experience
- Currently studying MSc Advanced Counselling & Psychotherapy.
- BSc (Hons) First Class Counselling Degree.
- CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.
- Diploma in Relationship (Couples) Counselling
- Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills.
- Volunteer Counsellor with a local charity that offers counselling to those who need it.
- Trained with and worked with the Samaritans whilst undertaking my core counselling qualifications.
- Volunteered with the Malaysian Ostomy Society, offering support services for those with or who needed ostomy surgery.
- To complement my therapeutic practice and enhance my academic knowledge, I continue to pursue ongoing professional development, inc. Working with Anxiety, PTSD, Self-Esteem, Grief, bereavement and loss,
Anticipatory Grief, Chronic Illness, the Psychological impact of Stoma Surgery. Intimate (Couples) relationships.
Relationships: Groups, family, siblings, parent/child, work, social/friendships.
Children & Young People.
Member organisations
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
- Couples counselling offers a supportive space to rebuild connection, improve communication, and grow stronger together.
- Support for living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis.
- Specialist support for living with a stoma/ostomy, including colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy, helping you navigate life with confidence.
- Compassionate support for navigating the psychological impact of life changing chronic illnesses, major surgery, helping you process, adapt, and heal.
Therapies offered
Fees
£55.00 - £75.00
Additional information
Free initial 20min introductory telephone call.
Individual sessions are 50 minutes and are £55.00 per session.
Couples’ sessions are 60 minutes and are £75.00 per session.
Weekly and fortnightly sessions available. Flexible sessions available for shift workers.
Payments via bank transfer.
When I work
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early morning | |||||||
| Morning | |||||||
| Early afternoon | |||||||
| Late afternoon | |||||||
| Evening |
Further information
All sessions will be conducted remotely, either online or via telephone.
Having a chronic illness myself, and working with many who are immunocompromised, I took the decision to move my practice to being online only. Therefore, I am unable to offer face to face counselling service.
I am currently full on Mondays and Fridays, with some availability for weekly and fortnightly sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
