Carol Shields , BACP

Carol Shields is a counsellor who helps people manage stress, anxiety, low mood and relationship worries. She supports people facing parenting strain, grief, addiction concerns and the practical fallout of life changes. Carol also works with clients dealing with ADHD, bipolar symptoms, anger and self-esteem difficulties. She lists Women's issues among her areas of focus and brings ten years of experience in the field.

Carol aims for a straightforward and respectful approach in sessions. She uses common-sense strategies and listens carefully to each person's priorities. Conversations typically focus on what is getting in the way now and small steps to change things that matter to the client.

Her practice draws on acceptance and mindfulness ideas and cognitive behavioural tools to help people notice patterns and try different responses. Client-Centred principles guide the way she makes space for each person's perspective. Treatment plans are shaped around real-life goals rather than abstract theory.

People can expect practical techniques to manage overwhelming thoughts, mood shifts and stress reactions. Carol also covers communication and boundary skills to ease family and relationship strain. Sessions combine short-term problem solving with work on longer standing patterns when that is helpful.

She offers work by video, phone, live chat and text-based messaging which can suit different schedules and needs. Carol works with international clients and holds registration with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, listed as BACP.

How Carol blends therapy approaches online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting ruled by them, then focus on values-led action to move life forward. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings and actions interact and teaches practical exercises to change unhelpful patterns. Both approaches suit anxiety, low mood, stress and coping with life changes, and they translate well to remote sessions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Carol will talk through what matters to the client, what has helped before, and which methods fit their goals and daily life. That collaborative process means treatments can be adjusted as needs change over time.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility. Video calls let people use visual cues for a fuller conversation, while phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or a quicker check-in is needed. Live chat and text-based messaging allow shorter reflections or ongoing support between sessions. These options make it simpler to fit therapy around work, family and travel, and to continue work when in different locations.