Stephen Mclaughlin, BACP

Stephen Mclaughlin is a psychotherapeutic counsellor who brings a blend of formal training and five years of private practice to his work. He holds a Postgraduate Diploma and an Advanced Diploma in Transactional Analysis and a qualification in Person-Centred Counselling Skills, and he is a member of the BACP - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. These qualifications inform a reflective, evidence-aware approach to helping people who feel stuck or overwhelmed.

Stephen supports people dealing with anxiety, stress, anger, depression, trauma and difficulties in feeling or expressing emotions. He also works with relationship problems, men’s mental health, LGBTQ and sexual identity concerns, and neurodiversity-related issues such as autism and ADHD. Whether someone is recovering from past experiences, coping with panic or low mood, or struggling with shame, guilt or self-harm, he focuses on understanding the patterns that shape daily life.

Central to his practice is an interest in the personal stories people tell about themselves and how those narratives influence behaviour and relationships. By exploring those stories together, Stephen aims to help clients gain insight and make practical changes in how they relate to others and to themselves. He offers a compassionate, nonjudgmental space to explore difficult thoughts and emotions and to work toward clearer, more manageable ways of living.

Transactional Analysis and Person-Centred Work Online

Stephen uses Transactional Analysis to help people identify repeating patterns in how they relate to themselves and others. This approach looks at common interaction styles and internal scripts so clients can see where habitual responses come from and begin to choose different ways of relating, which can be helpful for relationship problems, communication issues, and managing anger.

He also draws on Person-Centred counselling skills, offering a reflective, empathetic stance that encourages self-exploration and personal growth. This way of working supports people who are dealing with low mood, anxiety, identity questions or difficulties understanding their emotions.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Stephen works collaboratively with each person to determine which techniques and focus areas best match their needs, goals and preferences, adjusting the way he works as progress unfolds.

Online therapy with Stephen is offered by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging, giving flexibility to fit sessions around work, family and daily life. These options make it easier to access regular support, maintain continuity between appointments, and choose the communication style that feels most comfortable for each individual.