Erica Ruse Whalley, BACP

Erica Ruse Whalley is an accredited counsellor with 14 years of clinical experience who offers a calm, empathetic presence for people facing difficult life moments. She places each person at the centre of the work, creating a warm and supportive space where clients decide how they prefer to engage and what feels most helpful to them.

Erica has particular experience supporting people with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationship and family difficulties, and matters relating to adoption. She draws on an integrative way of working, tailoring an approach to each person by combining theories and techniques that suit the individual's needs. Her practice may include person-centred therapy, solution-focused strategies, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), the Emotional Freedom Technique, and a range of creative tools when these are appropriate.

Erica holds BACP accreditation - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - and uses her training to offer practical, compassionate support. She is happy to discuss how she can help and welcomes enquiries from people interested in beginning therapy.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Sessions

Erica blends well-established therapeutic approaches to meet a range of emotional and relational needs. Client-Centred Therapy focuses on the relationship between therapist and client, providing a non-judgemental atmosphere that helps people explore feelings, improve self-understanding, and work through issues such as low self-esteem, grief, and relationship challenges. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps clients identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours - a practical approach often used for anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, and anger. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationships influence current patterns and can be especially useful for concerns linked to adoption, attachment issues, and intimacy-related difficulties.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process. Erica works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods suit their goals, preferences, and the problems they bring to therapy, adjusting techniques as progress unfolds. Clients are active partners in shaping the work.

Online therapy options - video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging - make it easier to fit therapy into busy lives and to maintain continuity during transitions. These formats offer flexibility in scheduling and accessibility for people who prefer not to travel, while still allowing licensed professionals to provide focused, evidence-informed support.