Clair Atkinson , BACP

Clair Atkinson is a counsellor who focuses on issues many women face, including stress, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem and relationship concerns. She combines a calm presence with practical listening to help people make sense of difficult feelings. Clair’s background in nursing informs how she notices both emotional and physical responses to distress.

Clair holds a Master’s in Counselling and Psychotherapy and is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - BACP. She has five years' experience as a counsellor alongside a long career of thirty three years as a registered nurse. That mix gives her a broad view of long-term care and short-term struggles.

Her approach is client-centred. Sessions focus on the person rather than labels, and she aims to create space for people to tell their story at their own pace. Clair listens without judgement and reflects what she hears to help people notice patterns and options.

She helps with a wide range of concerns including trauma and abuse, ADHD, eating and sleeping difficulties, chronic illness, and compassion fatigue. She also supports people dealing with abandonment, attachment problems, body image and issues linked to caregiving for others.

Clair works with people who are navigating major life changes, career stress, anger, bereavement or feelings of emptiness and guilt. Her style is gentle but straightforward, offering emotional support while encouraging practical steps clients can try between sessions.

Client-centred care online and practical access

Client-centred therapy focuses on the person in the room. The counsellor listens closely, reflects what they hear and helps people find their own answers. This approach is useful for stress, anxiety, low self-esteem and relationship worries because it builds on a person’s strengths and priorities.

Clair’s nursing background also shapes the way she notices physical and emotional signals together, which can be helpful when someone is dealing with chronic illness, caregiver stress or trauma. The emphasis remains on working collaboratively to decide which ways of working feel most helpful for each person.

Finding the right approach is part of the process and Clair will work with clients to choose what fits their goals and preferences. She discusses options together and adapts the work as needs change, so therapy stays relevant and practical.

Online therapy offers flexibility. Video calls let people use visual connection for deeper conversation. Phone sessions work well when bandwidth is limited or clients prefer not to be on camera. Live chat and text-based messaging allow shorter check-ins, written reflections and easier fitting into a busy day. These formats help make therapy more accessible for those balancing work, caregiving or health challenges.