Counsellor profile
Paula Barlow, NCPS
Counsellor - relationships and anxiety
See online counselling options- Stress and anxiety
- Addictions and recovery
- Mindfulness and CBT
About Paula
Counsellor Paula Barlow is registered with the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and has nine years' experience. She works in the United Kingdom and helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, relationship and intimacy issues, and trauma and abuse.
Paula places the person at the centre of the work. She treats people as experts in their own lives and focuses on practical ways to manage problems. Sessions aim to clarify what matters most and to break large problems into smaller, workable steps.
Her approach uses a mix of methods. Client-Centred Therapy shapes the conversation around the person's concerns. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy looks at thoughts and actions that keep difficulties going. Mindfulness techniques help with grounding and reducing reactivity.
Paula also works with deeper patterns using psychodynamic ideas and offers hypnotherapy when appropriate. These methods support people who want to understand longer-term relationship patterns, attachment issues, or recurring difficulties such as addiction or hoarding.
She has worked with issues linked to family life, parenting, adoption and foster care, and attachment. Other areas she covers include eating and sleeping problems, anger control, career stress, fertility-related concerns, and managing life changes.
Sessions are conducted in English. Prospective clients are asked to use the directory's matching process to choose counselling options and to schedule a first meeting.
How Paula uses CBT, client-centred work and mindfulness online
Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and following what matters to the person. The counsellor reflects what is said and helps clarify goals so sessions feel focused on practical next steps. This approach suits people who want a supportive space to talk through personal concerns.Cognitive Behavioural Therapy looks at patterns of thinking and behaviour that keep problems going. It uses structured exercises and simple homework to test new ways of responding. CBT is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related issues.
Mindfulness Therapy teaches short practices to reduce reactivity and build calm. These can be useful for people struggling with impulsive responses, sleep problems, or strong emotions.
Choosing a method is a collaborative process. Paula will discuss options in the first meetings and agree what to try based on the person's goals, history and preferences. The plan can change as work progresses to find the best fit.
The biography does not list specific session formats, so please confirm the available online counselling options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit counselling into a working day, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Registered or accredited professionals often adapt exercises and materials for remote sessions so the work remains practical and goal-focused.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
9+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of issues does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, relationship and intimacy issues, trauma and abuse, and related concerns such as eating and sleeping problems.
What style of counselling does she use?
Her work combines Client-Centred Therapy with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and mindfulness. She also uses psychodynamic ideas and hypnotherapy where they fit the client's goals.
How long has she been practising?
She has nine years' professional experience working with individuals on a range of emotional and behavioural issues.
Which credential does she hold and where does she work?
She is registered with the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and practises in the United Kingdom.
Can I have sessions in another language?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she accept clients from outside the UK?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
What are the session formats and cost?
Session formats are not specified in the biography; please confirm current options before booking. Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I start a first session?
Select the See online counselling options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session through the service.
Details come from information the counsellor supplied to BetterHelp. A membership or registration can be checked on the professional body's own register.
Online counselling is not emergency care. In an emergency call 999, or see the help numbers.