Paula Appleton, BACP, NCPS - Therapist in United Kingdom

CBT methods
ACT techniques
BSL NVQ Level 6

About Paula

Paula Appleton is a counsellor registered with BACP and NCPS with 14 years' experience in the United Kingdom. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, relationship and family concerns, trauma and abuse, and related issues such as grief and intimacy difficulties.

Paula uses an integrative method, blending approaches to suit each person. She follows the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy Ethical Framework in her practice. She is experienced supporting Deaf and hard of hearing clients and offers communication using supported signing and British Sign Language at NVQ Level 6.

Her work often focuses on practical, day-to-day coping. Sessions involve talking through recent events, noticing patterns, and practising small exercises between sessions. Paula aims to help people find clearer ways to manage anxiety, addiction urges, sleep problems, anger and low self-esteem.

She draws on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to address thoughts and behaviours. Attachment-based ideas and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills are used when relationships or emotional regulation are central concerns. This mix allows flexibility when issues like ADHD, trauma, or chronic health problems are present.

Paula also supports people with adoption and foster-care histories, body image difficulties, caregiving stress, and other complex life situations. International clients can be supported and sessions are offered in English and American Sign Language.

How therapeutic approaches are used in online sessions

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on noticing thoughts and feelings without getting pulled along by them. It helps people clarify personal values and take small actions that connect to what matters, which can be useful for anxiety or life changes.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at links between thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It involves identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and trying practical experiments to change reactions, which often suits phobias, sleep problems and low mood.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Paula will discuss options and try methods that fit the client's needs, goals and preferences. The choice is collaborative and can change as progress is made.

The biography does not specify session formats, so confirm the current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. For some people, phone sessions use less bandwidth and feel simpler, while video sessions allow visual cues and interactive exercises. Registered or accredited professionals can adapt exercises and homework to work well at a distance, helping the practical tools from CBT and ACT transfer into everyday life.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse Depression

Also works with

Addictions LGBT Grief Intimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issues Communication problems Control issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHearing impairedHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivity InfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / loneliness Jealousy Life purpose Men's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issues Mood disorders Multicultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTraumatic brain injuryTrichotillomaniaVisually impairedWomen's issues Workplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyGottman MethodJungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family SystemsSystemic Therapy

Experience

14+ years

Listed in

United Kingdom

Languages

English, American Sign Language

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she commonly help with?

She works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, relationship and family issues, grief and related problems listed on her profile.

What is her therapeutic style?

She uses an integrative approach, blending CBT, ACT, attachment-based work and DBT skills to match the person's needs and goals.

How much experience does she have?

She has 14 years of clinical experience working with a wide range of presenting issues.

What are her credentials and where is she based?

She is registered with BACP and NCPS and works in the United Kingdom.

Which languages are supported?

Sessions are offered in English and American Sign Language, and she is experienced working with Deaf and hard of hearing clients using supported signing and BSL NVQ Level 6.

What session formats are available?

The original biography does not list specific session formats, so please confirm current session options before booking.

How are costs handled?

Costs vary with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I arrange a first session?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.