Chris Orton, BACP

Chris Orton offers calm, straightforward support for people feeling overwhelmed by life. He welcomes conversations about stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, self-esteem and grief. Chris is also experienced with trauma, eating and intimacy-related concerns. He uses a respectful, non-judgemental style to help people make sense of their feelings and choices.

Chris works in a client-centred way that puts the person’s experience first. He aims to listen carefully and reflect back what he hears so individuals can better understand their own thoughts and emotions. This focus helps people spot repeated patterns in how they react and relate to others.

He also draws on existential ideas about meaning, choice and responsibility. That approach helps when life events prompt questions about identity, purpose or direction. Conversations can examine how external pressures and relationships shape feelings, and what small changes might lead to greater clarity.

Chris trained at postgraduate level in counselling and psychotherapy and is registered with the BACP, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. He previously worked in a university counselling service where he supported a diverse student community. He has three years of practice experience.

Sessions are paced to suit each person. Chris aims to be present, genuine and appropriately challenging while people explore difficult topics. He encourages clients to lead the pace and depth of the work so they feel ready to try different ways of living and relating.

If someone wants help getting started they are invited to use the site’s Start Therapy process to complete a short matching questionnaire and arrange sessions.

How these approaches translate to online work

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on being heard without judgement and on building a trusting relationship. Online sessions can simply continue that way, with the counsellor listening, reflecting and helping people clarify their thoughts and feelings. This approach is useful for issues like anxiety, low self-esteem and relationship concerns.

Existential Therapy looks at questions of meaning, responsibility and personal choice. In remote conversations this can help when life changes prompt big questions about identity, purpose or direction, and when someone wants to explore how external pressures shape their inner life.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Chris will discuss goals and preferences and together decide which route feels most helpful. That collaborative process means the plan can change as needs become clearer over time.

The biography does not list specific online formats, so confirm current session options before booking. In general, online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, avoid travel time and have a shorter check-in when needed. It can also suit people who prefer to speak without being on camera or who need sessions that align with work or caring commitments.