Shirley Rocks, BACP

Shirley Rocks is a qualified counsellor based in the United Kingdom with four years of experience supporting adults through some of life’s most difficult transitions. She trained with the Mid Ulster Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapy and with Cruse Bereavement, where she developed a strong foundation in working with grief, loss, and emotional change.

Her practice is rooted in a compassion-focused approach that aims to create a respectful and non-judgemental space so people can explore what is troubling them at their own pace. Shirley supports people with a wide range of concerns, including grief and bereavement, addiction, sleep difficulties, anxiety, low self-confidence, emotional overwhelm, and challenges related to relationships, parenting, work, and mental health.

She tailors each therapeutic pathway to the individual, using the client’s strengths and goals as a guide to foster greater self-understanding, emotional resilience, and a kinder relationship with oneself. As someone who also writes poetry, Shirley offers optional guided poetry and journaling exercises for those who find creative writing helpful; no prior writing experience is required and these tools are introduced with care.

Shirley holds the BACP credential - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - and meets people with warmth, sensitivity, and practical support as they take steps toward clarity and a more fulfilling life. She provides therapy in English and accepts international clients.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Support

Shirley uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help people clarify their values, notice unhelpful thoughts without getting stuck in them, and take purposeful action toward a more meaningful life. ACT is often helpful for anxiety, low mood, and difficulties with motivation.

Attachment-Based Therapy is also a feature of her work, focusing on how early relationships shape current patterns in close connections. This approach is useful for issues such as abandonment, attachment difficulties, relationship strains, and trauma-related concerns.

Client-Centered Therapy provides a supportive, non-directive space where the therapist listens deeply and follows the client’s lead, helping to build self-understanding and emotional resilience. This method suits people seeking a gentle, collaborative pace.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Shirley works collaboratively with each person to identify which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adjusts the plan as therapy progresses in partnership with the client.

Online therapy with Shirley offers practical flexibility - sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different routines and comfort levels. Working remotely makes it easier to access consistent support from licensed professionals without the need to travel, helping people maintain therapy alongside busy lives.