- Person-centred approach
- CBT techniques
- Bereavement support
About Paula
Paula Otley is a counsellor registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and holds NCPS accreditation. She has 16 years of experience supporting people through loss and life changes. Her work covers stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, self-esteem and related concerns listed in her profile.
Paula began offering bereavement support as a volunteer and developed much of her practice there. She later trained as an integrative counsellor, combining person-centred and psychodynamic ideas to focus on relationships and patterns that shape how people relate to others and themselves.
In 2020 she added cognitive behavioural therapy to her approach. That gives practical tools for managing thoughts and behaviours alongside deeper relational exploration. Sessions tend to balance talking through current problems with noticing recurring patterns from the past.
Her background includes work in GP practice, the NHS, charities, community counselling services, private practice and employee assistance programmes. This range means she is used to short-term and longer-term work, and to adapting to different settings and needs.
Paula meets people as they are and works collaboratively to agree what to focus on. She and the person in therapy decide together which methods to use and how to move forward. She offers sessions in English and accepts international clients, with practical arrangements confirmed before booking.
How her approaches work in online sessions
Paula uses a mix of approaches that can adapt to online work. Client-centred therapy focuses on listening and reflecting, helping someone be heard and decide what to work on. It suits people who need space to talk things through and make their own choices.Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) offers practical techniques to notice unhelpful thinking and change behaviour. Online sessions can include joint planning of tasks and brief exercises to try between meetings.
Psychodynamic ideas look at patterns in relationships and past experiences that influence current reactions. Even online, this can help people spot repeating themes and try new ways of relating.
Deciding which approach to use is part of the work. The therapist and client explore needs, goals and preferences together and agree what to try first. That collaborative process can change as progress is made.
The biography does not list particular online formats, so confirm the available session types before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into daily life, such as shortening a check-in, avoiding travel time, or choosing a quieter hour. Registered or accredited professionals can use these options to help sessions fit practical schedules without promising a specific service.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
16+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, grief, relationships and self-esteem along with a wide range of related issues listed in her profile.
What style of therapy does she use?
She uses an integrative approach combining person-centred, psychodynamic and cognitive behavioural elements to suit each person's needs.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has been supporting people for 16 years, beginning with bereavement volunteering and later working in NHS, charity and private settings.
What credentials does she hold and where is she based?
She is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and holds NCPS accreditation. She practices in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English and she does accept international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current session options before booking.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.