Paula Otley , BACP, NCPS

Paula Otley brings more than 16 years of experience supporting people through grief and major life transitions, a path that began with long-term bereavement volunteering and shaped her commitment to therapeutic work. She trained as an integrative counsellor with a focus on person-centred and psychodynamic approaches from a relational perspective, privileging the relationship as the foundation for change. In 2020 she added training in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to broaden her clinical toolkit and offer practical strategies alongside deeper relational work.

Her practice has developed through work across a range of settings including GP practices, the NHS, charitable organisations, community counselling services, private practice and employee assistance programmes. Paula meets clients as they are, building a collaborative therapeutic alliance that respects each person’s unique history and perspective. She describes the process as a shared journey - she works together with clients to clarify goals, explore patterns, and try approaches that fit the client’s needs.

Paula holds BACP and NCPS credentials. BACP refers to membership of a leading professional counselling association, and NCPS denotes a recognised professional credential for counsellors and psychotherapists. She practices in English and is based in the United Kingdom, bringing an integrative, relationally informed approach that blends empathy, practical techniques, and sustained listening.

Online Care Rooted in Attachment, Client-Centred and CBT Approaches

Paula integrates several therapeutic approaches to tailor care to each person’s needs. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on patterns in close relationships and helps people understand how early bonds influence current intimacy, communication and trust. Client-Centred Therapy places the client’s perspective at the centre - offering empathy, acceptance and presence to support self-exploration, self-esteem and personal growth. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) provides clear, practical techniques to identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviours and to develop coping strategies for anxiety, depression and stress.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Paula collaborates with each client to determine which methods feel most useful, adapting techniques over time based on the client’s goals, preferences and what emerges in sessions. This collaborative stance helps tailor therapy to real-life needs.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility for people with busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities or who live at a distance. Video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging make it possible to access consistent support from licensed professionals and therapists without needing to travel, and they allow sessions to fit more easily into everyday life.