Directory entry

Deirdre MacNamara, BACP

Credentials: BACP
Experience: 5 years
Practising in: United Kingdom
Languages: English
Sessions: Online only
Client ages: Adults, 18 and over

Works with Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuse Grief

Ready when you are

Deirdre sees clients through BetterHelp. Answer a few questions to ask about starting - free, and no commitment.

Affiliate link. We will earn a commission if you sign up, at no cost to you.

Deirdre MacNamara offers calm, straightforward support for people coping with stress, anxiety, grief, trauma, low self-esteem and life changes. She is a BACP counsellor based in the United Kingdom and writes plainly about practical ways to manage difficult feelings. Deirdre focuses on helping people find small, achievable steps toward better day-to-day coping.

She draws on approaches that encourage acceptance, self-compassion and clearer emotional understanding. Sessions are collaborative - Deirdre listens first, then helps identify ways to reduce distress and build routines that fit each person’s life.

Background and approach

She uses mindful techniques to slow racing thoughts and work on emotional regulation. Her background includes five years of direct counselling experience across community, educational and independent practice settings. That has included work with people facing bereavement, trauma, long-term health challenges, caregiver strain and the stresses of demanding jobs.

She describes the counselling space as warm and respectful, and aims to adapt to each person’s needs. Deirdre pays attention to cultural and relationship factors that shape a person’s difficulties. She explains ideas simply and focuses on what can be tried between sessions.

Expect practical exercises, reflective conversation and a gentle focus on values and what matters most. People who choose her often want a steady, compassionate guide while they sort difficult feelings and make changes. Her approach balances listening with clear, usable techniques to reduce overwhelm and help people move forward.

Practical approaches you can use online

Deirdre uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Client-Centred approaches to help people clarify what matters and take workable steps. ACT focuses on accepting difficult thoughts while building action in line with personal values, which can help with anxiety, low mood and life transitions. Client-Centred work emphasises empathic listening and unconditional positive regard so people feel heard and can explore their feelings at their own pace.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Deirdre will listen to a person’s goals and preferences and suggest techniques that fit. She aims to collaborate on what to try first and check in regularly to adjust the plan based on how things are going.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging, which makes it easier to fit therapy around work, caregiving and mobility needs. Video offers face-to-face conversation; phone can work when bandwidth is limited or as a shorter check-in. Text and live chat suit people who prefer written reflection or need flexible timing. Many people find these options help them keep continuity and build small changes over time.

What issues does Deirdre help with?

She works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, eating concerns, anger, self-esteem difficulties, depression, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue and ADHD, plus related areas such as cancer, chronic illness and caregiver stress.

What is her therapeutic style like?

Her style is collaborative and person-centred, combining mindful exercises, emotionally-focused work and acceptance-based strategies to help people manage feelings and act on what matters to them.

How much experience does she have?

She has five years of direct counselling experience working in community, educational and independent practice settings with a variety of presenting issues.

What credentials and location are listed?

She is registered with the BACP and practises in the United Kingdom.

Which languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English.

What session formats are available?

Sessions can be held by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging to suit different needs and routines.

How does payment and cost work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of focus

What this therapist works with

Most often

Also listed

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 5 years
Registered with: BACP
Languages: English

Contacting Deirdre

Deirdre takes enquiries through BetterHelp. You answer a few questions about what you are looking for, then arrange sessions if it seems like a fit. Browsing costs nothing and you are not committing to anything by reading this page.

Deirdre MacNamara, BACP

Background and approach

Practical approaches you can use online

Areas of focus

What this therapist works with

Others working with stress, anxiety