Counsellor profile
Paula Reilly, BACP
Counsellor - relationships and trauma
See online counselling options- Stress and anxiety
- Parenting support
- Attachment work
About Paula
Counsellor Paula Reilly is a BACP member with three years' experience based in the United Kingdom. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, relationship problems, parenting strain, low self-esteem, grief, depression and related concerns. Paula also supports those dealing with trauma and abuse, life changes, intimacy issues and anger.
Paula describes her work as a space to talk through what is happening and to learn practical ways to cope. She uses approaches that focus on how relationships and personal history affect present feelings. Sessions aim to help people notice patterns, try different responses and build clearer communication skills.
Her background includes a Bachelor of Honours degree in counselling from Staffordshire University. The first part of her practice has involved working with people affected by complex trauma and with parents and caregivers who want new strategies and support. Paula also has experience working alongside couples to explore expectations and improve understanding between partners.
In a session she blends conversational listening with structured techniques where helpful. That might mean looking at thoughts and behaviours, reflecting on attachment and relationship patterns, or using simple mindfulness practices to steady strong emotions. The focus is on practical steps someone can use between sessions.
Paula offers work in English and is open to working with people in the UK and internationally. She asks new clients to use the service matching process before booking a first appointment so the best starting point can be agreed.
How Paula uses therapeutic approaches online
Attachment-based work looks at how early relationships shape current feelings and reactions. It helps when patterns in close relationships keep causing pain or confusion and can guide changes in how people relate to partners or children.Client-centred work focuses on the person in front of the counsellor. It uses listening and open questions to help someone make sense of their experience and decide what they want to change or keep.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, looks at links between thoughts, feelings and actions. It gives practical exercises to test unhelpful beliefs and try different behaviours between sessions, which can suit anxiety, low mood and stress.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the early work. The counsellor will discuss goals, preferences and what feels manageable, and then agree a way of working together. This is a collaborative process rather than a one-size-fits-all prescription.
Confirm which session formats are currently offered before booking, as the biography does not list specific options. Online sessions can make it easier to fit counselling into a busy week, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Some people prefer not to use video, while others find on-screen meetings most useful; these practical choices can be agreed with the counsellor when arranging appointments.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
3+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with most?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and parenting issues, trauma and grief, plus related concerns such as self-esteem, anger and life changes.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style combines listening with practical methods. She uses ways of working that look at relationships, thoughts and mindful attention to feelings.
What is her professional background?
She has three years' experience and completed a Bachelor of Honours degree in counselling at Staffordshire University.
Which professional body is she a member of?
She is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, shown as BACP.
Do sessions take place in other languages or internationally?
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
Please confirm current session formats before booking, as the biography does not list specific formats.
How are fees arranged?
Costs vary with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I start a first session?
Use the See online counselling options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a first session.
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.