Shannon Brailsford , BACP

Shannon Brailsford is an integrative counsellor who creates a compassionate, inclusive space for people to explore concerns that affect their daily lives. With four years of clinical experience and membership of the BACP - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - she blends established therapeutic methods to support clients facing stress, anxiety, depression, career challenges, compassion fatigue, and the practical and emotional effects of life changes.

She works with people who struggle to put their needs first, who overcommit, feel overwhelmed, or who are wrestling with low confidence and self-belief. Her practice also addresses issues such as attachment and abandonment, caregiver stress, communication and control difficulties, separation and divorce, guilt and shame, loneliness, social anxiety, and questions about life purpose and self-love.

Shannon is guided by the pace and priorities of each person she meets, aiming to build a relationship rooted in respect and trust. Sessions may include exploration of self-limiting beliefs and their origins, with the intention of supporting lasting change that aligns with who the individual truly is. Having experienced counselling from the client perspective herself, she approaches the therapeutic relationship with empathy, curiosity, and sensitivity.

More information about her background and approach is available on her website at www.shannoncounselling.com.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Shannon draws on client-centered approaches that place the person's own experience at the heart of the work - this means listening carefully, reflecting what is meaningful to the individual, and supporting them to make choices that reflect their values and goals. Client-centered work can be especially helpful for issues around self-worth, confidence, and relationship patterns.

She also integrates mindfulness therapy, which uses present-focused awareness and gentle attention to thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. Mindfulness techniques can aid stress and anxiety management and help people respond to difficult feelings with more calm and clarity.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process and is decided collaboratively. The therapist works with each person to understand their needs, goals, and preferences, and adapts methods over time so the work fits the individual.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions by video call or phone can accommodate busy schedules and reduce travel time, while live chat and text-based messaging provide options for people who prefer written communication or need more frequent, brief contact. These formats allow licensed professionals and therapists to deliver consistent support in ways that suit different lifestyles and comfort levels.