Directory entry

Gillian McGowan, NCPS

Credentials: NCPS
Experience: 8 years
Practising in: United Kingdom
Languages: English
Sessions: Online only
Client ages: Adults, 18 and over

Works with Relationship issuesFamily conflicts

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Gillian McGowan offers calm, steady support for people facing relationship strain, low self-esteem, anxiety and major life changes. She helps with parenting pressures, grief, trauma-related worries and intimacy concerns. Her style is warm and non-judgemental, aimed at making it easier to talk about painful topics.

Gillian has eight years of experience as a counsellor, and more than two decades working in mental health in various roles. She draws on that background to listen for the patterns that shape a person’s choices and feelings.

Background and approach

Sessions are focused on what matters now and on small steps that feel manageable. Her practice pays particular attention to self belief and the stories people carry from childhood. She works with how early caregiving messages affect present relationships and self-image.

This can involve looking at communication habits, attachment patterns and how those play out in friendships or romantic partnerships. Relationship topics are a large part of her work. She helps people navigate divorce and separation, affairs and betrayal, jealousy, commitment questions and ongoing family conflict.

She does not provide couples therapy and meets with individuals only. Practical issues such as blended family dynamics, caregiving stress, codependency and parenting worries are commonly discussed. Gillian also supports people dealing with grief, shame, and finding a renewed sense of purpose in midlife.

Her approach is conversational and client-centred. Gillian encourages gentle curiosity rather than pressure, and she helps clients spot patterns and try new ways of responding between sessions.

How Gillian’s Client-Centred Approach Works Online

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on the person in front of the counsellor. It means the session is led by the client’s concerns and pace. This approach helps with relationship issues, self-esteem, grief and finding direction after life changes because it prioritises the client’s experience and personal goals.

The right therapeutic method is often worked out together. Gillian will listen to what feels most important and suggest ways to proceed. Clients and counsellor decide jointly on goals and small steps to try between sessions, so the work fits each person’s needs and preferences.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat or text messaging to give practical options. Video calls suit those who want face-to-face conversation. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or for a quick check-in. Live chat and text messaging work well for shorter check-ins, ongoing support between sessions or when writing helps clarify thoughts. Overall, these formats make therapy more flexible and easier to fit into a busy life while keeping the focus on the client’s goals and progress.

What kinds of issues does she help with?

Gillian supports people with relationship problems, family conflict, stress, anxiety, trauma and grief. She also works on self-esteem, parenting strain and life changes.

What is her therapeutic style?

She uses a client-centred approach that focuses on listening and reflecting. The aim is to help people understand patterns and make practical changes.

How much experience does she have?

Gillian has eight years of experience as a counsellor and over 20 years in mental health roles. She has also worked as a clinical supervisor.

What credentials and location are listed?

The profile shows the credential NCPS and that she practises in the United Kingdom.

Which languages and international options are available?

Sessions are offered in English and she is not taking international clients at this time.

What session formats does she offer?

She provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging to suit different needs.

How does cost work?

Costs vary with location and the therapist subscription model. Sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, then schedule a session according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of focus

What this therapist works with

Most often

Relationship issues
Family conflicts

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centred Therapy

Experience: 8 years
Registered with: NCPS
Languages: English

Contacting Gillian

Gillian 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.

Gillian McGowan, NCPS

Background and approach

How Gillian’s Client-Centred Approach Works Online

Areas of focus

What this therapist works with

Others working with relationship