Debra Laking , BACP

Debra Laking is a counsellor who draws on humanistic, client-centred care combined with practical methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She offers calm, straightforward support for people facing stress, anxiety, relationship worries, grief and low self-esteem. Debra works from the United Kingdom and sees clients in English, including international clients where appropriate.

Debra keeps sessions focused and simple. She listens first and then helps clients spot patterns in thinking and behaviour. Together they set small, achievable steps to reduce anxiety, rebuild confidence or manage life changes. Breath-based and mindfulness practices are offered when they suit the person.

Her approach treats each person as the expert in their own life. Debra uses client-centred conversation to build trust and then brings in CBT and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy tools to test new ways of coping. This blend supports practical problem solving and values-led change.

She also attends to specific strains such as caregiving stress, ageing concerns, bereavement and the impact of serious illness. Communication and commitment issues, fears around control, and feelings of isolation are other common themes she helps people untangle.

Sessions are designed to be clear and goal-oriented while staying warm and empathetic. Debra encourages small steps that fit daily life and helps people measure what’s working. She aims to help clients find steadier ground during hard transitions and to clarify what matters most to them.

How therapeutic approaches work online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, often called ACT, encourages people to notice difficult thoughts and feelings without fighting them and to act in ways that match their values. It can help when anxiety, grief or life changes make it hard to move forward. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and testing new behaviours to reduce anxiety and low mood. It is useful for stress, worry and changing day-to-day habits. Client-Centred Therapy prioritises a warm, non-judgemental relationship where the counsellor listens and reflects so the client can find their own answers.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Debra will discuss options and use methods that fit each person’s goals and preferences. This is a collaborative process - goals are set together and adjusted as progress is made.

Online sessions offer practical flexibility. Video calls let people keep visual connection when it matters. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is low or when a shorter check-in fits a work break. Live chat and text-based messaging allow for written reflection and brief exchanges between sessions. These formats make it simpler to fit therapy around family, work and travel while accessing a counsellor trained in CBT, ACT and client-centred ways.