Carol Shields , BACP

Carol Shields is a UK-based therapist with 10 years of professional experience who approaches each person with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. She holds BACP, a recognised counselling credential in the United Kingdom, and brings a steady, supportive presence to work with people facing stress, anxiety, relationship and family conflicts, motivation and self-esteem challenges, and the practical struggles of coping with life changes.

Her practice includes helping people manage addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting concerns, anger, career transitions, and mood conditions such as bipolar disorder and depression, as well as ADHD. Carol also offers focused support for LGBT concerns and a wide range of related issues including attachment and abandonment, body image, caregiver stress, chronic illness, codependency, communication problems, and blended family dynamics.

Carol believes it takes courage to pursue a more fulfilling, happier life and sees her role as one of support and empowerment. She draws on evidence-informed approaches to help clients build coping skills, strengthen relationships, and move toward the goals that matter most to them, working collaboratively to create practical, personalised steps for change.

Therapeutic approaches and online support

Carol uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help people clarify their values and take committed steps toward a meaningful life, even when difficult thoughts and feelings are present. ACT can be useful for stress, anxiety, and life transitions because it focuses on action aligned with what matters most.

She also draws on Client-Centered Therapy, an approach that emphasises empathetic listening and unconditional positive regard to create a respectful, nonjudgmental space where people can explore their experiences and develop self-directed solutions. This approach supports building self-esteem and strengthening relationships.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Carol works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. Together they will adapt techniques and decide on the pace and focus of sessions so therapy feels relevant and practical.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to engage - including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - making it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules or to connect from different locations. These options help maintain continuity of care and make it simpler to access support when life circumstances change.