Natalie Brunning , BACP

Natalie Brunning is a counsellor who focuses on helping people cope with stress, anxiety, low mood and problems with self-esteem. She also supports people dealing with addictions and the long-term effects of trauma and abuse. Natalie writes plainly and offers a calm, steady presence for those who are unsure where to begin.

She has 15 years of experience working with adults in the United Kingdom and is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP. That background means she is familiar with common reactions to trauma, grief and difficult life changes. Natalie aims to make early sessions straightforward and practical so people can feel a little steadier quickly.

In sessions she prioritises a non-judgemental space where clients can talk about painful memories and daily worries. Conversations are paced to suit each person, and Natalie encourages small, manageable steps between meetings. The focus is on helping people notice what is getting in the way and finding workable ways to change it.

She also works with concerns that often sit alongside stress and mood problems, such as attachment difficulties, body image, caring responsibilities, chronic illness and relationship commitment worries. Natalie has experience supporting people affected by sexual and domestic abuse, and by complex trauma including post-traumatic stress reactions.

For anyone unsure how to start, Natalie suggests taking one small step - a short questionnaire to match with a counsellor and a first appointment. She aims to make that first contact as simple and dignified as possible.

Approaches and online therapy that fit your life

Evidence-based techniques are used to help people manage symptoms and make everyday changes. One approach focuses on practical strategies to reduce anxiety and improve mood through gradual steps and routine changes; it helps when worry or low mood interferes with daily life. Another approach helps process distressing memories and the effects of abuse by working at a pace each person can tolerate, aiming to lessen intrusive reactions and improve coping.

Choosing the best way to work together is part of the process. The counsellor will discuss needs, goals and preferences and decide together which methods suit each person. This collaborative planning means techniques are adapted to what actually helps the client in day-to-day life.

Online sessions make it easier to fit counselling into a busy schedule. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation without travel, phone sessions work well when internet bandwidth is limited, and live chat or text-based messaging can be useful for shorter check-ins or when typing feels easier. These options offer flexibility for people juggling work, caring roles or mobility challenges.