Carol Shields, BACP

Carol Shields is a counsellor based in the United Kingdom who helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem and life changes. She also supports people dealing with grief, trauma, addictions, mood issues such as depression and bipolar, and concerns related to ADHD. Carol works with LGBT clients and those wrestling with parenting, career pressures, anger and family conflict.

She meets people where they are and keeps conversations straightforward. Sessions focus on clear goals and practical steps that a person can use between meetings. Carol draws on methods that encourage noticing thoughts and values, and on talking approaches that centre the client's experience.

Over a decade of work has shaped her compassionate style. Carol holds BACP, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy credential, and has around 10 years of professional experience supporting clients through change. She aims to treat everyone with respect and sensitivity.

In the room she helps people name what is causing distress and try new ways to respond. That might include looking at unhelpful thinking patterns, practising present-moment awareness, or clarifying personal values to guide decisions. She explains techniques in plain language so they are easy to use at home.

People who choose Carol often come for focused support around specific problems. She encourages small, manageable steps and checks progress regularly. Before booking, clients are asked to confirm current session options and scheduling details so they match personal needs.

How therapeutic approaches fit into online sessions

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people clarify what matters to them and take small actions in line with those values. It is useful for anxiety, stress, low motivation and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings and behaviours interact and offers practical techniques to test and change unhelpful patterns. It often helps with anxiety, depression and coping strategies.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences and what feels comfortable, then try methods together to see what helps. That decision is collaborative and can change as progress is made.

The original biography does not list specific session formats, so please confirm which online or in-person options are currently offered before booking. Many people find online sessions make it easier to fit therapy into daily life, for example by removing travel time or allowing shorter check-ins during a work break. Other practical benefits include being able to keep a continuity of care when relocating and choosing sessions that match available technology or quieter surroundings. Registered or accredited professionals can adapt exercises, homework and mindfulness practices to work well in an online setting.