Paula Byrne , BACP

Paula Byrne brings a compassionate, down-to-earth approach to counselling, inviting people to take the first steps toward change at a pace that feels manageable. She draws on six years of professional experience and holds BACP accreditation - the UK professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists - and offers a relaxed, nonjudgmental space where concerns can be explored honestly and without pressure.

Her path into counselling began in practical, people-focused roles, first as a hairdresser and barber, and later working in a GP surgery, a homeless hostel, and with the Samaritans. Those early roles shaped her belief in the value of genuine listening and the difference made by someone who truly cares. That experience informs the way she works with issues such as stress, anxiety, phobias, grief, PTSD, relationship and family conflicts, trauma and abuse, addictions, and intimacy-related concerns.

Paula also supports people facing challenges like abandonment and attachment issues, caregiving stress, codependency, communication and control problems, life transitions such as divorce and separation, and body image or cancer-related distress. Sessions are tailored to each person - there is no set agenda and every meeting is adapted to the client’s needs and pace. She emphasizes collaboration, helping clients uncover the inner strengths that support resilience and change.

Clients who have worked with her describe her as caring, thoughtful, supportive, empathetic, reliable, and even fun to be around. Paula offers steady, practical support for those ready to begin a counselling journey and believes taking the first step takes courage - she will accompany clients through that process without rush.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Support

Paula uses Attachment-Based Therapy to explore how early bonds and patterns of relating influence current feelings and relationships - this approach can be helpful for those struggling with abandonment, attachment issues, intimacy challenges, or difficulties in close relationships. She also draws on Client-Centered Therapy, which emphasizes an accepting, non-directive relationship where the client’s own goals and pace guide the work - this is useful for building self-worth, managing anxiety, and navigating life transitions. In addition, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers practical tools to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, making it a good fit for stress, phobias, anxiety, and some trauma-related symptoms.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and Paula works collaboratively to determine what techniques and perspectives best match a person’s needs, goals, and preferences. She adapts sessions over time, blending methods where helpful so that therapy remains responsive and personalised.

Online therapy with Paula is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to fit therapy into daily life, maintain continuity during transitions, and access support from a licensed professional without needing to travel.