Esther Pinder, BACP

Esther Pinder trained with an Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling from the Iron Mill College in Exeter and holds a first class honours degree in Psychosocial Studies from Goldsmiths, University of London. She also holds BACP membership - British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. Her practice focuses on common but often isolating experiences such as anxiety, depression, low self-worth and loss of identity, and she supports people through both recent life changes and long-standing challenges including abuse and grief.

Esther believes that reconnecting with the different parts of ourselves reveals strengths and resources that may have been lost or overlooked. She encourages clients to explore themselves fully so they can develop greater self-care and self-value, recognising that a person can hold many aspects rather than being just one thing. Her approach is collaborative - she does not direct clients what to do but helps them discover their own expertise about their life.

In practice she draws on a range of techniques to break cycles of overthinking and to ease distress. These include describing feelings through metaphors and images, introducing theories or models to aid understanding, trying practical anxiety-reduction strategies such as breathing and sensory exercises, and gently exploring background and context that contribute to patterns of thought and behaviour. Sessions are arranged as weekly 50 minute video appointments scheduled in advance. Clients may also share reflections in writing via messaging; Esther reads messages and replies at set times, so messaging is intended for reflection rather than immediate crisis support.

Integrative approaches for online support

Esther uses an integrative counselling approach that blends different evidence-based techniques to suit each person's needs. This involves exploring how various parts of the self relate to one another and helping clients recover strengths and identity that may feel lost - it is useful for issues like low self-worth, identity struggles and long-term emotional patterns.

She also incorporates anxiety management strategies in practical, accessible ways. These can include breathing and grounding exercises and sensory-based techniques that help reduce immediate distress and interrupt cycles of overthinking, which is often a useful first step for people experiencing anxiety and panic.

Esther may use metaphor and simple models to help people make sense of their experiences and notice unhelpful patterns. Using images and frameworks can make difficult feelings easier to describe and work with, particularly in cases of trauma, grief or confusing relationship dynamics.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process - Esther works with clients to identify the best fit based on needs, goals and personal preferences. Online therapy with video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text messaging offers flexibility and accessibility, allowing people to attend from home, fit sessions around work or family life, and use different formats for real-time conversation or written reflection. Licensed professionals and therapists can adapt these options to support steady progress over time.