May Lai , ACA

May Lai is an ACA counsellor who helps people build self-esteem and manage anxious or depressive thoughts. She works with clients who struggle with sleep, communication, and relationship concerns. Her style is warm and straightforward, with space for honesty and a little humour when it fits.

She focuses on practical skills such as assertive communication and tools to reduce worry. Sleep strategies are woven into sessions when sleep problems are part of the picture. Sessions aim to give clear steps you can try between meetings rather than only talking about feelings.

May draws on eight years of experience to tailor the pace and focus to each person. She listens for what matters most and helps set reachable goals. Many clients find the combination of skills practice and reflective discussion useful for improving day-to-day functioning.

Common issues she supports include stress, anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties, sleep disruption and body image concerns. She also works with people facing caregiver strain, chronic illness, grief around separation, and decision-related stress. The aim is to leave clients feeling more confident making choices that suit their life.

Sessions are conducted in English and are offered via video calls, phone, live chat or text-based messaging. May asks new clients to start with a short matching questionnaire so sessions can be arranged to match their needs and timing.

Online approaches and how they help

May uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on teaching practical skills. One common approach she uses involves training in assertive communication - learning clear ways to state needs and set boundaries, which helps reduce conflict and improve relationships. Another strand of her work targets anxious thinking by teaching straightforward coping tools to notice and manage worry so it interferes less with daily life.

She also integrates sleep-focused strategies when sleep is a concern, using behavioural changes and routine adjustments to help improve sleep timing and sleep quality. These approaches are presented in short, usable steps so clients can try them between sessions and notice what helps.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. May will work with each person to identify goals, try different techniques, and adjust the plan based on what feels helpful. The aim is to build a set of tools that match the client's needs and preferences rather than forcing a single method.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging to give practical flexibility. Video calls let people work face to face from wherever they are. Phone sessions can be a good option when bandwidth is limited or for shorter check-ins. Live chat and messaging suit people who prefer written communication or need brief, frequent touchpoints during a busy week.