BACP, NCPS

Paula Otley, BACP, NCPS

Therapist in the UK

Paula is a BACP, NCPS therapist in the UK.

16+ years of experience
Focus areas include Stress, Anxiety, Relationship issues
Approaches include Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy

See availability and next steps on BetterHelp.

About Paula

Paula Otley is MBACP accredited as of May 2024 and holds professional credentials including BACP and NCPS, reflecting a commitment to established counselling standards. She has 16 years of experience supporting people through loss, beginning with long-term voluntary work in bereavement support where she sat with clients during some of the most difficult moments of their lives and found her vocational direction.

She trained as an integrative counsellor with a specialism in person-centred and psychodynamic approaches delivered from a relational perspective, and in 2020 she added cognitive behavioural therapy training to broaden her clinical toolkit. This blend of approaches allows her to tailor work to each person, drawing on reflective, insight-oriented methods alongside practical strategies when helpful.

Paula has practised in diverse settings including GP practices, NHS services, charities, community counselling, private practice and employee assistance programmes. She meets clients as they are, works to build a reliable therapeutic alliance, and approaches each case collaboratively so that the direction of therapy is shaped together with the client.

Integrative therapeutic approaches for online support

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on creating a respectful, non-judgemental relationship where the client’s own understanding and goals guide the work. This approach is useful for building self-esteem, exploring life changes, and strengthening personal insight. Psychodynamic Therapy explores how past experiences and unconscious patterns shape present feelings and relationships, helping clients address deeper emotional patterns such as attachment issues, grief, or repeated relationship challenges. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers structured techniques to identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, which can be helpful for anxiety, low mood, and practical coping strategies.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process and Paula works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. The therapist and client explore options together and adjust the plan as therapy evolves.

Online therapy with Paula is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to make care more accessible and flexible. These options allow people to fit sessions into busy schedules, access support from different locations, and maintain continuity of care when in-person meetings are not possible, while remaining connected with licensed professionals and therapists who guide the work.

Frequently asked questions

How much experience does Paula Otley have?

Paula Otley has 16 years of experience.

Is Paula Otley a licensed therapist?

Yes. Paula Otley holds BACP and NCPS credentials.

In which languages does Paula Otley provide therapy?

Paula Otley provides therapy in English.

Where is Paula Otley located?

Paula Otley is located in the United Kingdom.

How can I work with Paula Otley as my therapist?

Clients can work with Paula Otley through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Paula Otley work with international clients?

Yes, Paula Otley works with international clients.

How much does therapy with Paula Otley cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.