Claire Bottomley , BACP

Claire Bottomley is a compassionate counsellor who works with adults and young people grappling with anxiety, low mood, grief, relationship difficulties and the effects of traumatic experience. She supports people who feel stuck in negative cycles of worry or who are finding it hard to move forward after a distressing life event, offering a steady, non-judgmental presence and practical ways to cope.

She is an accredited member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP), a recognised professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists. Her training includes a First Class Honours degree in Therapeutic Counselling, a postgraduate diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy, and certification in Rewind Trauma Therapy with IARTT, all of which inform a flexible, informed approach to care.

Claire works collaboratively and at depth, helping clients explore how past experiences influence present patterns and what can be done differently to reach more helpful places. She adopts an integrative style that draws on person-centred values alongside techniques from cognitive behavioural methods, psychodynamic ideas, transactional analysis and trauma-focused work, tailoring each session to the individual’s goals and circumstances.

Her practice covers a wide range of concerns including stress, family and relationship challenges, parenting, addictions, grief, self-esteem, ADHD, and intimacy-related issues. She aims to help people better understand themselves, develop new coping strategies and make practical changes that support recovery and growth.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Claire uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and values that matter to them, encouraging small, value-led steps even when feelings are difficult. ACT can be useful for anxiety, low mood and coping with life changes.

She also draws on Client-Centred Therapy, which focuses on creating an empathic, non-directive relationship where the client’s own goals shape the work. This approach supports self-exploration and builds a stronger sense of agency in relationships and parenting difficulties.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another key element of her practice, offering practical strategies to identify and change patterns of thinking and behaviour that contribute to stress, panic, or persistent worry.

Finding the right blend of approaches is part of the collaborative process. Claire will work with each person to understand their needs, goals and preferences and choose methods that fit their situation rather than imposing a single model.

Online therapy with Claire is available by video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging, providing flexibility to fit around work, family and other commitments. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, access support from different locations and use the communication style that feels most comfortable.