Claire Payne , NCPS

Claire Payne is an NCPS counsellor who offers practical, steady support for people facing trauma, workplace strains and questions about identity. She introduces herself warmly and makes it clear she will accompany clients through the early steps of therapy. Sessions can be arranged remotely across the United Kingdom in a variety of formats.

Claire draws on a mix of approaches to fit what each person needs. She uses person-centred ideas to build a trusting relationship, Gestalt to help people notice patterns in the moment, and cognitive behavioural techniques to untangle thoughts and behaviours. She also offers sand tray work for those who find it hard to put feelings into words.

Her background includes many years working in social care, which shapes a practical, down-to-earth style. That experience informs work with people affected by domestic or sexual abuse, early years trauma and attachment difficulties. She also supports those dealing with workplace stress, compassion fatigue and burnout.

Claire helps people explore concerns such as abandonment, guilt, shame and isolation, and she can assist with life transitions like divorce, pregnancy and midlife change. Sessions aim to match pace and style to what the person needs.

Therapy is offered on a short- or long-term basis. Practical steps are a focus - noticing what causes distress, trying small changes and building more helpful ways of coping. People who prefer a calm, flexible approach tend to find her style accessible.

How therapeutic techniques translate online

Claire commonly draws on person-centred work, Gestalt and cognitive behavioural approaches. Person-centred work focuses on building a respectful, listening relationship so people feel heard and can explore their own solutions. Gestalt helps people notice present-moment experience and patterns that repeat in relationships or feelings. Cognitive behavioural techniques look at the links between thoughts, feelings and actions and use straightforward exercises to test new ways of responding.

Finding the right approach is part of the early work together. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences and practical needs and then try methods that fit the person. That way the plan evolves through conversation and small experiments rather than being fixed from the start.

Online therapy is offered by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging to give practical flexibility. Video calls are useful when visual contact and eye contact matter. Phone sessions work well when bandwidth or camera use is difficult. Live chat or messaging can suit short check-ins, brief reflection between sessions or people who prefer writing over talking. These options help make therapy easier to fit around work, family and life commitments.