Counsellor profile
Shea McCartney, BACP, NCPS
Counsellor - trauma informed and person centred
See online counselling options- Stress and anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- Self esteem
About Shea
Shea McCartney is a counsellor and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and an accredited member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). He has four years' experience and lists help with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, self-esteem and depression among his main areas.
He works from a person-centred, trauma-informed stance and draws on a mix of approaches. Shea says he adapts techniques to the person rather than using one fixed model. That means sessions can include listening, practical exercises and reflection, depending on what helps most.
He has worked in NHS mental health settings, child protection, trauma and suicide intervention organisations. This background has involved supporting people with domestic abuse, bereavement, self-harm, suicidal thoughts and major life changes. Those roles influence how he responds to crisis and longer-term problems now.
Shea aims for an open, non-judgemental way of working where people feel heard. He describes the therapeutic relationship as central and places priority on understanding a person before using particular interventions. Sessions may be a mix of exploring the past, looking at patterns now, and identifying small changes to try.
He holds an MSc in Counselling and Therapeutic Communication with Professional Practice and a BSc in Sociology with Psychology. Shea continues professional development and training in trauma-informed practice for children and young people.
People come to him for short-term work or longer-term therapy. He will work at a pace that suits the individual and focus on practical steps as well as wider understanding.
Approaches used and online counselling choices
Shea draws on client-centred work and cognitive behavioural therapy. Client-centred work focuses on careful listening and helping a person feel understood before choosing techniques. It is useful for issues where people need to talk through feelings and build confidence.CBT involves identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new ways of responding. It suits problems like anxiety, sleep problems, low mood or stress where practical steps and exercises can make a difference.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Shea will discuss different methods with the client and decide together what feels most useful. That means the plan can change as goals and needs become clearer, and the client helps shape the focus and pace.
The therapist's biography did not list specific session formats, so check current options before booking. Online counselling can make it easier to fit sessions around work and family life, reduce travel time, or allow shorter check-ins when needed. Registered or accredited professionals can offer flexible scheduling and formats to suit everyday routines, and Shea will confirm practical arrangements when you book.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
4+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he commonly help with?
He lists stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, self-esteem and depression among his core areas. He also works with relationship, family and parenting issues and other listed concerns.
What is his general approach in sessions?
He uses a person-centred, trauma-informed style and draws on several evidence-based methods. Sessions focus on listening first, then using suitable techniques from approaches such as CBT or psychodynamic work.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has four years' experience and has worked in NHS mental health services, child protection, and trauma and suicide intervention organisations.
Which professional bodies is he part of and where does he practise?
He is a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP) and an accredited member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (MNCPS Accred). He practises in the United Kingdom.
Are sessions available in other languages or internationally?
Sessions are offered in English. He does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How are fees handled?
Fees vary with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the See online counselling options button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling 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.