Becky Ilk

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MSc, BSc, MBACP 404770

About me

Like many therapists, I didn't come to this work from theory alone. My own experiences of therapy and navigating difficult seasons in life are what led me to train as a psychotherapist. I know what it feels like to sit in the other chair.

That experience taught me that real change doesn't come from being told to think more positively or try harder. It comes from having a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel truly heard, and where you can begin to meet yourself with more understanding and kindness.

I trained for 5 years to do this work to a high standard, because I wanted to be able to offer that kind of space to others. First, I completed a 3 year BSc in Counselling & Psychotherapy with clinical placement, followed by an MSc in Advanced Counselling & Psychotherapy Studies, both at Marjon University, Plymouth.

Growth begins when compassion and understanding meet.

I’m not here to fix you, because you are not broken. I’m here to help you understand why your mind and body respond the way they do, and to help you develop a kinder, more resilient way of being with yourself.

My work is integrative, trauma-informed and rooted in compassion. My approach is based on a simple but powerful idea: we don't develop anxiety, self-criticism or shutdown because we are flawed — we develop them because our brains have learned to protect us. When we understand those patterns with compassion rather than judgement, our nervous system can start to feel safer and change becomes possible.

I don't offer a one-size-fits-all model. I draw on person-centred, psychodynamic, transpersonal, parts work, solution-focused and CBT-informed approaches, alongside mindfulness and psychoeducation — always tailored to you. 

At the heart of my work is the therapeutic relationship. Research consistently shows it is the most important factor for meaningful change. My aim is to offer a down-to-earth, warm and professional space where you don't have to mask, filter or perform.

Who I support

Many of the clients I work with are thoughtful, capable people who are used to coping and holding it all together. Underneath, they feel anxious, overwhelmed, burnt out, or stuck in a painful loop of self-criticism and shame.

If that resonates, you are not alone — and you don't have to navigate it alone.

I work with adults [18+] seeking both short-term support and longer-term, deeper therapy. Sessions are available online across the UK and in person in Paignton.

I support clients with:
Anxiety, chronic stress and burnout | Depression and low mood | Low self-esteem, shame and perfectionism | Grief, loss and major life transitions | Relationship difficulties and feeling unseen | Trauma, emotional regulation and feeling overwhelmed

Areas of specialist experience

1. Neurodivergent-affirming therapy — ADHD & ASD
I am a specialist in working with neurodivergent clients. My MSc dissertation explored Navigating Rejection Sensitivity in Adult Females with ADHD. I understand masking, sensory overwhelm, rejection sensitivity dysphoria, and the complex grief and relief that can come with late diagnosis. My practice is actively neuro-affirming — you won't need to educate me about neurodivergence.  

Also, you don't need a diagnosis to work with me.  Simply identifying as neurodivergent is enough.

2. Women's health, cancer recovery & life transitions
I have extensive experience supporting individuals navigating menopause, cancer recovery, and the identity and emotional shifts that come with major health and life changes. These are times when compassion, not just coping strategies, is essential.

Training, qualifications & experience

Qualifications

  • MSc Advanced Counselling and Psychotherapy Studies — Distinction — Marjon University, Plymouth
  • BSc Counselling and Psychotherapy with Clinical Placement — First Class  — Marjon University, Plymouth
  • Mindfulness Now Teacher

Work Experience:

  • CentrePeace Counselling Coordinator - Paignton
  • Visiting Lecturer Marjon University - Plymouth
  • Counselling Connection Devon - Totnes
  • Torbay Domestic Abuse Service - Paignton

Additional training:

  • Online and Telephone Counselling
  • Supporting clients with ADHD and ASD
  • Introduction to IFS - IFSUK
  • Bereavement Counselling Training
  • Trauma Informed Practice
  • Existential Therapy
  • Suicide Awareness

Member organisations

BACP
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

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

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
Accredited Register Scheme

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.

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

Areas of counselling I deal with

Fees

£65.00 per session

Concessions offered for

  • Low income
  • Students
  • Trainee counsellors
  • Unemployed
  • Refugees

Health Insurance/EAP

  • WPA

Additional information

I offer a limited number of sessions at the reduced fee for clients on low incomes. Please contact me to discuss options, as I believe everyone should have access to counselling and psychotherapy, regardless of income.

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Early morning
Morning
Early afternoon
Late afternoon
Evening

Further information

First steps:

If this feels like it might be a good fit, I offer a free 15-minute introductory call with no pressure to book. It's a chance for you to ask any questions and get a sense of whether you feel comfortable working together.

You are welcome to call me on 07872917667 — please leave a message if I don't answer and I will get back to you as soon as I can. Alternatively, you can get in touch via my Counselling Directory profile.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Online UK-wide & In Person: Paignton, South Devon.

57 Torquay Road, Paignton, Devon, TQ3 3DT

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)

Key details

DBS check

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

Additional languages

Spanish

Online platforms

Microsoft Teams
Whatsapp