Claire Bottomley , BACP

Claire Bottomley is an experienced counsellor who supports people navigating anxiety, low mood, traumatic experiences and relationship difficulties. She works with both adults and young people, offering a compassionate, non-judgmental space to explore the thoughts and patterns that keep someone stuck and to develop new ways of coping. Claire draws on five years of clinical practice to help individuals process grief, panic, sexual abuse, and other distressing life events, focusing on how past experience shapes present responses and what can be changed to move forward.

She is an accredited member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapist (BACP) and holds professional qualifications including a First Class Honours Degree in Therapeutic Counselling, a Post Graduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy, and certification as a Rewind Trauma Therapist with IARTT. These qualifications inform a skilled, trauma-aware approach to care.

Claire takes an integrative, person-centred stance that places the therapeutic relationship at the core of the work. She blends elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Transactional Analysis, Psychodynamic approaches and Rewind Trauma Therapy to tailor sessions to each person’s needs. Her practice is collaborative and flexible, with an emphasis on helping people understand themselves more clearly and find practical, sustainable ways to feel better and regain control.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Claire uses a blend of well-established approaches to support people in online therapy. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on creating an accepting, empathetic relationship where the person feels heard and respected - this approach helps when someone needs a safe space to explore feelings and decide on goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviors and offers practical techniques to reduce anxiety, improve mood and change unhelpful patterns. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages values-based action and mindful acceptance of difficult thoughts and feelings, which can be useful for managing anxiety, stress and life transitions.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Claire works collaboratively with each person to identify their needs, goals and preferences, adjusting methods over time so therapy feels targeted and relevant. Licensed professionals and therapists commonly combine these methods to match the work to the individual.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging, giving flexibility to fit therapy around work, family and other commitments. These formats make it possible to access regular support from home or while travelling, helping people maintain continuity of care and practical progress without compromising on professional therapeutic input.