Directory entry

Shirley Patterson, BACP

Credentials: BACP
Experience: 6 years
Practising in: United Kingdom
Languages: English
Sessions: Online only
Client ages: Adults, 18 and over

Works with Grief Self esteemCareer difficultiesDepression Coping with life changes

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Shirley Patterson offers calm, straightforward support for people facing grief, low self-esteem, career uncertainty, depression and life changes. She welcomes one-to-one sessions and focuses on helping clients talk through what feels hardest right now. Shirley uses a person-centred way of working that puts the client’s experience first and lets conversations follow the client’s pace and priorities.

Shirley has six years of experience and is registered with BACP, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Background and approach

She helps people explore their feelings and find personal ways to manage problems rather than directing solutions. Sessions are led by the client, with Shirley reflecting back feelings and gently checking understanding. Her approach is warm and non-judgemental.

She gives people time to speak and listens for what matters most to them. Shirley aims to create an open space where difficult thoughts and emotions can be named without rush. Shirley often supports people coping with the aftermath of life events and crises, helping them build strategies to manage stress and move forward.

She also works with issues around motivation, confidence and career challenges. Her way of working is practical and patient, focusing on what the client wants to change. For people ready to take a first step, Shirley offers a steady presence and encouragement.

She aims to empower clients to make choices that feel right for them and to take small, manageable steps towards a more stable everyday life.

Person-centred support through online therapy

Shirley practises client-centred therapy, which means she listens closely and follows the client’s pace. Sessions focus on what the client wants to talk about and on helping them find their own way forward. This approach can help with grief, low self-esteem, depression and decisions about work or relationships.

The person-centred approach aims to make people feel heard and valued. Shirley mirrors feelings back and checks understanding so clients can clarify what matters to them. That collaborative style helps build trust and lets clients test new ways of thinking or coping in ordinary life.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Shirley will help clients decide whether a person-centred way feels like the best fit based on their needs, goals and preferences. She works together with each person to shape sessions around what matters most to them.

Online sessions are available as video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging. Video calls are useful for face-to-face conversation, phone sessions can fit into a busy day or use less bandwidth, and chat or messaging can suit shorter check-ins or moments when writing feels easier. These options make it simpler to arrange therapy around work, caregiving and travel commitments, and to keep talking when life gets busy.

What kinds of problems does Shirley help with?

She supports people with grief, self-esteem, career difficulties, depression, coping with life changes and relationship concerns.

What is her therapeutic style like?

She uses a person-centred approach where sessions follow the client’s lead and focus on the client’s experience and feelings.

How much experience does she have?

Shirley has six years of experience working as a counsellor with the issues listed above.

What credentials and location are listed for Shirley?

Shirley is registered with BACP, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, and practises in the United Kingdom.

Which languages are offered and can international clients join?

Sessions are offered in English and Shirley is not currently accepting international clients.

What session formats are available?

She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging as ways to meet with clients.

How are sessions charged?

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

How do I begin working with Shirley?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, then schedule sessions according to the therapist’s availability.

Areas of focus

What this therapist works with

Most often

Grief
Self esteem
Career difficulties

Also listed

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centred Therapy

Experience: 6 years
Registered with: BACP
Languages: English

Contacting Shirley

Shirley 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.

Shirley Patterson, BACP

Background and approach

Person-centred support through online therapy

Areas of focus

What this therapist works with

Others working with grief