Claire Payne
Compassionate, trauma-aware counselling
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About Claire
Claire Payne is an NCPS counsellor who offers a welcoming, steady presence for people starting therapy. She explains the first steps clearly and aims to walk alongside clients as they begin to heal. Claire writes in a friendly tone and keeps sessions practical and down-to-earth.
Claire works in independent practice based in Torbay, Devon. She sees people face to face locally and can work remotely for clients elsewhere in the United Kingdom.
Background and approach
She draws on an integrative style that blends Person Centred, Gestalt and cognitive behavioural approaches to suit different needs. She has three years' experience as a practising counsellor and additional background from over 30 years working in social care settings. That earlier experience informs how she understands trauma and early years impacts on everyday life.
In sessions she adapts to each person's pace and preferences. She offers both shorter-term focused work and longer-term support depending on what someone needs. Sand tray work is available for people who find it hard to find words for difficult memories or feelings.
Claire focuses on workplace stress and burnout, compassion fatigue, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, early years trauma and attachment difficulties. She also helps with family concerns, self-esteem, career questions and issues such as guilt, shame and loneliness. Sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
To begin, people are asked to use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.
At a glance
- Years practising
- 3
- Registered with
- NCPS
- Registration number
- NCS23-03105
- Languages
- English
- How sessions happen
- Online, by video, phone or messages
Details are as listed on Claire's public professional profile. You can check any number with the professional body.
What Claire works with
Everything Claire lists, in their own terms.
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
- Self esteem
- Career difficulties
- Compassion fatigue
- Abandonment
- Attachment issues
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Communication problems
- Control issues
- Divorce and separation
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Impulsivity
- Isolation / loneliness
- Life purpose
- Midlife crisis
- Narcissism
- Post-traumatic stress
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Sexuality
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Women's issues
- Workplace issues
How Claire works online
Choosing an approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss options with each person and test what feels most helpful. Sessions can change over time as goals shift, and Claire tailors methods to match what someone wants to work on and how they prefer to be supported.
The practical benefits of online therapy depend on the formats available. The biography notes remote work for people across the United Kingdom, but does not list specific session types here, so confirm current session options before booking. Remote sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. They also let people keep continuity of support if they relocate within the country. Registered or accredited professionals can help you weigh which approaches and formats will suit your circumstances.
Questions and answers
What concerns does Claire work with?
She focuses on workplace stress and burnout, compassion fatigue, domestic and sexual abuse, early years trauma and attachment difficulties. She also supports people with family concerns, self-esteem, career challenges and feelings like guilt or isolation.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her approach is integrative and adaptive, blending Person Centred, Gestalt and cognitive behavioural methods. She adjusts pace and techniques to match each person's needs and preferences.
What is her background and experience?
She has three years' experience as a practising counsellor and over 30 years of prior work in social care settings. That background helps her understand trauma and early years impacts.
Where is Claire based and how is she registered?
Claire practises from Torbay, Devon in the United Kingdom and is registered with NCPS.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She is not currently accepting international clients and works with people within the United Kingdom.
How are sessions priced?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with Claire?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, then schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability.
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