Paula Bantick-Ward , BACP

Paula Bantick-Ward aims to make professional counselling accessible, affordable, and convenient so that anyone facing life’s challenges can get the support they need, whether individually or as a couple. She works with people who feel overwhelmed, isolated, unfulfilled, or unable to cope, helping them explore and make sense of difficult feelings, reactions, and patterns. Paula listens with empathy and creates a non-judgmental, person-centered space where clients can find their voice, name their experiences, and begin to move forward in practical and meaningful ways.

As a person-centered counsellor she brings genuineness, empathy, and a non-directive approach to the therapeutic relationship, encouraging self-discovery and personal growth. She offers sessions by telephone or online and adapts her work to each person’s needs, sometimes inviting creative methods such as metaphor, creative writing, or journaling. Paula also integrates techniques from other approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused brief therapy to suit the goals of the client.

She is a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and works in clinical supervision while maintaining the appropriate insurance to practise. Contacting a counsellor can feel daunting, and Paula aims to make that first step as straightforward and supportive as possible.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Paula draws primarily on client-centered therapy, which focuses on creating an empathic, non-judgmental relationship that supports self-exploration and personal growth. This approach is helpful for people working through low self-esteem, life transitions, relationship concerns, and emotional overwhelm because it prioritizes the client’s perspective and pace.

She also uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques to help clients identify and gently challenge unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. CBT can be effective for anxiety, depression, stress, anger, and some substance-related issues by offering practical skills and strategies for coping.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process. Paula collaborates with each client to determine which combination of person-centered work and practical techniques best fits their goals, preferences, and life circumstances, adjusting methods as progress unfolds.

Online therapy options - including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - make it easier to fit counselling into busy lives, bridge geographic distance, and maintain continuity of care. These flexible formats allow clients to choose how they connect with a licensed professional and to access support in a way that suits their schedule and comfort.