Shahna Thurston , BACP

Shahna Thurston is a BACP-registered therapist in the United Kingdom with a Master’s in Counselling and Psychotherapy, awarded with Distinction, and five years of professional experience. She practises in an integrative way, blending humanistic and person-centred foundations with existential perspectives, certified DBT skills, psychodynamic and transference-focused methods, and trauma-informed practices. Shahna is trained in Janna Fisher trauma work and plans to complete EMDR training later this year, expanding her toolkit for working with complex trauma.

Her specialist areas include supporting people affected by narcissistic abuse, trauma and complex PTSD, anxiety and stress, relationship difficulties, self-esteem concerns, and life transitions. She combines mindfulness, experiential therapy, psychoeducation, and skills-based approaches to help people recognise and shift unhelpful patterns, regulate difficult emotions, and strengthen resilience.

Shahna offers a compassionate, respectful, and non-judgmental therapeutic space where individuals can explore their experiences, gain clarity, and work toward greater wellbeing. She aims to help people process past wounds, improve emotional coping, and build a more balanced and confident life through collaborative, person-focused work.

Approaches that guide online therapy and support

Shahna uses client-centred therapy to place each person at the heart of the work - the therapist follows the client’s pace, offering empathy, active listening, and support to help people clarify values, choices, and personal goals. This approach is helpful for those seeking validation, stronger self-understanding, and improved relationships.

She also draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a skills-based model that teaches practical techniques for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. DBT is particularly useful for people managing intense emotions, self-destructive patterns, or relationship challenges.

Mindfulness therapy is integrated across sessions to build present-moment awareness and reduce rumination, supporting better emotional balance and clearer decision-making. Finding the right blend of approaches is part of the collaborative process - Shahna works with each person to identify methods that best fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adapting techniques over time as progress unfolds.

Online therapy through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging offers practical flexibility, making it easier to access consistent support from licensed professionals and therapists while balancing work, caregiving, or other commitments. These options allow continuity of care and a range of interaction styles to suit different comfort levels and lifestyles.