Angela Higgins, BACP

Angela Higgins is a counsellor with 25 years' experience who began her career offering befriending support to people affected by the Troubles in Northern Ireland. She draws on long-term practice with people facing anxiety, depression, trauma and the consequences of abuse. Angela trained in Carl Rogers' person-centred approach and is registered with the BACP. Her work keeps the person-centred values of empathy, genuineness and unconditional positive regard at the centre. Over time she has blended that stance with cognitive behavioural approaches to help people address thought patterns and daily coping skills. She chooses tools and methods to match what each person brings to the room. Her background includes a decade as an addictions counsellor, including four years working in a local prison setting. That experience informs how she supports people dealing with stress, panic, anger, bereavement and trauma-related concerns. In more recent years she has trained in complementary healing practices such as Reiki, sound healing, reflexology and Indian head massage and sometimes incorporates wellbeing-focused techniques alongside talking therapy. Angela also works with issues around body image, chronic illness and workplace strain. People who prefer a straightforward, empathic listener who also offers practical strategies may find her approach helpful. To begin, readers are encouraged to use the site Start Therapy process and complete the matching questionnaire so sessions can be arranged.

How client-centred work and CBT translate to online therapy

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on active listening, empathy and creating a non-judgemental space. It helps people feel heard and understood, and supports self-directed change by reflecting what matters to the person.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings and behaviours connect. It uses practical exercises and straightforward strategies to reduce anxiety, manage mood and change unhelpful patterns. CBT is often used for panic, stress, sleep and mood concerns.

Deciding on an approach is a collaborative process. The counsellor will talk with the client about goals, try different techniques, and adjust the plan as needed. The emphasis is on finding what helps the individual feel and function better rather than sticking to one model.

Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into everyday life, for example allowing appointments around school runs, work breaks or medical commitments. It can also let people choose quieter surroundings, or pick shorter check-ins when time is limited. Because the biography does not state which session formats are provided, please confirm current options before booking. Registered or accredited professionals can adapt both person-centred listening and CBT exercises to remote sessions so therapeutic progress can continue alongside daily responsibilities.