Paula Byrne , BACP

Paula Byrne is a UK-based therapist with six years of professional experience and a BACP credential, which denotes membership of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. She brings a warm, listening-focused approach shaped by an unconventional path into counselling - beginning as a hairdresser and barber and later working in settings such as a GP surgery, a homeless hostel, and with the Samaritans. Those early roles taught her the value of genuine listening and straightforward care, qualities that now inform her therapeutic work.

She supports people facing a wide range of challenges including stress, anxiety, relationship and family difficulties, trauma and abuse, grief, addictions, intimacy-related problems, and issues related to attachment and abandonment. Her practice also addresses concerns such as body image, caregiver stress, codependency, communication and commitment problems, divorce and blended family dynamics, and the impact of serious illness such as cancer.

Paula uses a blend of clinical approaches to tailor sessions to each person - helping to identify underlying patterns and build practical coping skills while attending to emotional experience. She aims to create a relaxed, nonjudgmental space where pace is set by the individual and progress is collaborative. She is described as caring, thoughtful, supportive, empathetic, reliable and fun to be around, and she encourages people to take the first steps when they feel ready.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Paula integrates Attachment-Based Therapy to explore how early relationships shape current patterns of closeness and separation - this approach helps when abandonment, attachment difficulties, or relationship struggles are central concerns. She uses Client-Centered Therapy to create an empathic, nonjudgmental environment where the individual leads the pace and focus of work, which supports self-exploration and emotional processing. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is employed to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, offering practical strategies for managing anxiety, stress, phobias and related symptoms.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Paula works collaboratively with people to determine which methods fit their needs, goals and preferences. She combines listening with clinical techniques to tailor sessions and adapt as progress unfolds.

Online therapy with Paula can take place by video call, phone session, live chat or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and needs. These options make it easier to access regular support from licensed professionals and therapists without the constraints of travel, allowing people to engage in therapy in ways that suit their daily life.