Stephanie Weatherley, BACP

Stephanie Weatherley is a counsellor who aims to make the first step into therapy easier. She is down-to-earth and approachable, and she tries to build a relaxed, non-judgemental space where people can talk about what matters to them. Steph lives in Northumberland and often finds the sea and coastal walks restorative in her own life.

She draws on an integrative counselling approach that places the person at the centre of the work. That means sessions mainly follow a person-centred way of working while using other techniques when helpful. The focus is on identifying issues, looking at practical steps and developing strategies to change negative thought and behaviour patterns.

Steph has three years of experience as a counsellor and a background of ten years working in the charity support sector, including helpline roles. That experience informs a practical, empathetic style and a familiarity with a wide range of problems people bring to therapy.

She works with adults and adolescents around stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, attention difficulties such as ADHD, and LGBT concerns. She also helps with relationship and attachment worries, body image, isolation and feelings of emptiness.

Sessions can include grounding and visualisation techniques, strategies for panic and ways to manage day-to-day challenges like time management and focus. Steph aims to help people become more autonomous and meet their personal and professional goals through steady, practical work together.

How evidence-based approaches can work online

Steph describes her work as integrative, drawing mainly on a person-centred way of working while bringing in other evidence-based techniques when they suit the person. Person-centred work focuses on listening, empathy and helping people find their own solutions; it is useful for building trust and exploring feelings.

Two other approaches she commonly uses are practical skills work and grounding or visualisation methods. Practical skills work teaches strategies for managing anxiety, planning, and changing unhelpful thinking, which helps with day-to-day functioning. Grounding and visualisation offer ways to manage panic, dissociation and intense distress by using simple exercises people can practise between sessions.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the process and will be a collaborative decision. Steph will work with each person to agree which techniques match their needs, goals and preferences, and she will adjust the plan as therapy progresses.

The practical benefits of online therapy include fitting sessions into a busy week and avoiding travel time. If you prefer not to be on camera some formats use less bandwidth or allow shorter check-ins, so you can still get support around work or family commitments. Confirm the specific session formats offered before booking to make sure they fit your routine and needs.