Paula Otley
A calm, practical counsellor for life changes
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About Paula
Paula Otley meets people where they are and works with them on the issues that feel most urgent. She writes plainly and listens carefully, aiming to build a steady working relationship so clients can tackle stress, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, addictions and other concerns. Paula has 16 years of experience supporting people through difficult life moments and change.
Paula is a counsellor accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP, and holds NCPS.
Background and approach
Her practice draws on several approaches to fit each person's needs rather than following a single formula. Sessions focus on understanding what matters to the client and finding doable ways to move forward. Her background includes long-term bereavement support work and roles in GP practices, the NHS, charities, community counselling services, independent practice and employee assistance programmes.
In 2020 she added cognitive behavioural techniques to her person-centred and psychodynamic work to broaden the range of tools she can offer. In sessions Paula aims for a collaborative tone. She helps clients name problems, notice patterns and test small changes between meetings.
The emphasis is on practical steps alongside talking about feelings and relationships. Paula also works with issues related to attachment, adoption and foster care, autism and Asperger syndrome, chronic illness and caregiver stress. She welcomes clients from different backgrounds and accepts international clients, with sessions carried out in English.
At a glance
- Years practising
- 16
- Registered with
- BACP, NCPS
- Registration number
- 381077, NCS21-02334
- Languages
- English
- Approaches include
- Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- How sessions happen
- Online, by video, phone or messages
Details are as listed on Paula's public professional profile. You can check any number with the professional body.
What Paula works with
Everything Paula lists, in their own terms.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Grief
- Self esteem
- Depression
- Addictions
- LGBT
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
- Intimacy-related issues
- Eating disorders
- Sleeping disorders
- Parenting issues
- Anger management
- Career difficulties
- Bipolar disorder
- Coping with life changes
- Compassion fatigue
- ADHD
- Abandonment
- Adoption and foster care
- Aging and geriatric issues
- Attachment issues
- Autism and Asperger Syndrome
- Blended family issues
- Body image
- Cancer
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Chronic pain, illness, and disability
- Codependency
- Commitment issues
- Communication problems
- Control issues
- Dependent personality
- Dissociation
- Divorce and separation
- Domestic violence
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Eating and food-related issues
- Emptiness
- Family of origin issues
- Family problems
- Fatherhood issues
- Fertility issues
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Hospice and end-of-life counselling
- Impulsivity
- Infidelity
- Intellectual disability
- Isolation / loneliness
- Jealousy
- Life purpose
- Men's issues
- Midlife crisis
- Money and financial issues
- Mood disorders
- Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Phobias
- Post-traumatic stress
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Self-harm
- Self-love
- Sexual assault and abuse
- Sexual dysfunction
- Sexuality
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Trichotillomania
- Women's issues
- Workplace issues
Approaches Paula lists
- Attachment-Based Therapy
- Client-Centred Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each counsellor names and does not check training records.
How Paula works online
She also uses cognitive behavioural therapy, which looks at links between thoughts, feelings and behaviours and offers practical strategies to test between sessions. CBT can be especially helpful for anxiety, low mood and unhelpful coping habits by breaking problems into manageable steps.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Paula will discuss options with the client and agree which methods suit their goals, needs and preferences. This is a collaborative process that can change as therapy progresses.
If you are considering online sessions, please confirm which formats are available before booking as the biography does not list them. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and avoid travel time so people can use breaks more effectively. Registered or accredited professionals can adapt exercises and homework for online meetings so the work remains practical and goal-focused.
Questions and answers
What kinds of problems can be discussed in sessions?
Paula works with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, relationship and intimacy-related issues, self-esteem, eating and sleeping difficulties, parenting strain, career worries and coping with life changes.
How would you describe the therapeutic style?
The approach is collaborative and person-centred. Paula combines talking therapy with practical techniques so clients can test new ways of coping between sessions.
What experience does the counsellor have?
She has 16 years supporting people, including long-term bereavement volunteering and work in GP practice, the NHS, charities, community counselling services, independent practice and employee assistance programmes.
What credentials and location are recorded?
Paula is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP, and holds NCPS. She practices from the United Kingdom.
In which language can I speak with the counsellor?
Sessions are offered in English and she also accepts international clients.
Which session formats are available?
The biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options with the service before booking.
How are sessions charged or paid for?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
What do I need to do to begin?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.
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