Paula Bantick-Ward , BACP

Paula Bantick-Ward is a counsellor who focuses on making therapy accessible and practical. She works with individuals on issues like stress, anxiety, addiction, grief and relationship concerns. Paula uses a calm, non-judgemental style to help clients talk through what feels overwhelming and confusing.

Paula draws on her BACP registration to guide an ethical, reflective practice. She offers sessions by video, phone, live chat or text messaging to suit different needs and routines. Sessions can include talking, reflective questions, journaling prompts or creative exercises when helpful.

Her approach is person-centred, which means she aims to be genuine and understand each person's experience without directing the outcome. Paula also uses techniques from cognitive behavioural methods and draws on emotionally-focussed and attachment ideas when they suit the issue at hand. This mix helps her tailor work to concerns such as low self-esteem, intimacy issues, addiction and coping with life changes.

She has eight years of experience and works with a wide range of difficulties, including bereavement, eating and anger issues, career questions, LGBT concerns and complex situations like co-morbidity or caregiver stress. Paula may invite creative writing, metaphors or journaling as ways to explore feelings and patterns.

People who prefer a warm, listening-led style and practical tools may find this approach helpful. Her sessions aim to help clients understand feelings, find small workable steps and build steadier ways of coping moving forward.

How core approaches are used in online therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without being driven by them, and then pick actions that match their values. It can be useful for anxiety, low mood and finding motivation. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns and testing new ways of responding; it often helps with anxiety, depression and problem behaviours. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) centres on understanding emotional responses and how they shape relationships and connection, which can support work on intimacy and relationship distress.

Choosing the right approach is part of the process. Paula will work collaboratively to decide which methods fit your goals and situation. She combines person-centred listening with specific techniques when they suit the issue, and checks in regularly to adapt the plan as you progress.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect using video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text messaging. Video is good for face-to-face interaction and non-verbal cues, phone sessions can use less bandwidth and suit quick check-ins, and chat or messaging can be easier for short reflections or when typing feels more comfortable. These options make it simpler to fit therapy around work, travel or caregiving commitments while keeping the focus on steady progress and practical steps.