Claire Bottomley , BACP

Claire Bottomley offers practical, down-to-earth counselling for people feeling overwhelmed by life. She meets people who are anxious, grieving, struggling with relationships, or coping with traumatic events. Claire aims to create a calm, non-judgemental space where people can be heard and begin to make changes.

Claire has five years' experience and is an BACP member, which shows she follows recognised professional standards. She holds a First Class Honours degree in Therapeutic Counselling and a Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy. Her background includes work with adults and younger people facing anxiety, panic, low mood, grief, sexual abuse and trauma.

Her way of working is collaborative and straightforward. Sessions start by finding out what the person wants to achieve. Claire then shapes the work around those goals, using methods that suit the individual rather than a one-size-fits-all plan.

Claire blends several approaches in session. She draws on cognitive behavioural ideas to spot thought and behaviour patterns, psychodynamic thinking to look at how past experience matters now, and person-centred listening to build a trusting relationship. She also uses trauma-focused techniques where needed to help process painful memories.

People can expect clear discussion about small steps to try between sessions. Claire pays attention to daily coping, sleep and relationships while helping people build a steadier routine and clearer sense of direction.

How Claire uses different approaches online

Claire often draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in remote work. ACT helps people clarify what matters to them and take small steps towards those values, which can help with anxiety, stress and life changes. CBT focuses on spotting unhelpful thoughts and behaviours and practising alternatives, useful for panic, low mood and sleep problems.

She also uses a person-centred way of working that puts the relationship first. Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Claire will discuss goals, preferences and practical needs, then adapt methods so the sessions fit the person rather than the other way round.

Online sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone conversations, live chat or text-based messaging. Video calls are good for face-to-face dialogue and visual cues. Phone sessions work when bandwidth is limited or for a shorter check-in. Live chat and messaging suit people who prefer written reflection or need flexible timing. These options make it easier to keep therapy going around work, family and other commitments.