Paula Appleton, BACP, NCPS

Paula Appleton is a UK-based counsellor with 14 years of clinical experience who works with people across the lifespan to address emotional, relational, and behavioural challenges. She uses an integrative approach that draws on multiple therapeutic models and tailors interventions to each person, guided by the BACP Ethical Framework. Paula works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, relationship and family difficulties, trauma and abuse, depression, addictions, LGBT matters, grief, intimacy concerns, eating and sleeping problems, parenting and caregiver stress, anger and self-esteem struggles, career transitions, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and other life changes.

Paula is experienced in working with Deaf and hard-of-hearing clients and is attentive to individual communication needs. She uses Sign Supported English and British Sign Language at a qualified NVQ Level 6 and also provides therapy in English and American Sign Language. Her practice includes work with abandonment, adoption and foster care matters, attachment issues, autism and Asperger syndrome, codependency, commitment concerns, body image and chronic illness or pain.

Paula holds professional credentials BACP and NCPS - BACP refers to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and NCPS is a recognised counselling credential - and she applies person-centered values alongside evidence-informed techniques such as ACT, attachment-based work, CBT and DBT. Her aim is to provide a supportive space where people can pause, reflect, and develop practical strategies to move forward.

Therapeutic approaches and flexible online care

Paula draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to meet different needs. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters to them and build willingness to face difficult thoughts and feelings while taking action toward valued goals - it can be useful for anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on understanding how early relationships shape current patterns of relating and can support work with relationship difficulties, trauma, and attachment issues. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers practical techniques to identify and change unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns, often helping with anxiety, low mood, phobias, and many day-to-day challenges.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and Paula works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She adapts interventions over time so therapy remains relevant and responsive.

Online therapy with Paula is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to access consistent care from home or while traveling, and they support ongoing work when in-person meetings are not possible.