Shea McCartney
Experienced person-centred counsellor focused on trauma-informed care
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About Shea
Shea McCartney is a counsellor who brings four years of practice to sessions. He trained in counselling and therapeutic communication and holds an MSc in Counselling and Therapeutic Communication with Professional Practice. He aims to make the first steps easier by offering a warm and non-judgemental space to talk through what matters to you.
He bases his work on a person-centred and trauma-informed foundation and adapts methods to fit each person.
Background and approach
That means listening first, and using techniques from several approaches only when they suit the situation. Shea places the therapeutic relationship at the centre of the work and prioritises being heard and understood. His background includes roles in NHS mental health services, child protection, trauma support and suicide intervention.
Those roles shaped his practical experience with issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, bereavement, domestic abuse and self-harm. He also has experience supporting people through relationship strain, self-esteem concerns, career stress and major life changes. Sessions aim to be collaborative and paced to what feels right.
Shea balances careful listening with clear, practical steps when helpful. He also values warmth and occasional humour to make difficult conversations easier to manage. People who come to him often want support with grief, trauma, stress or changes in life course.
He also works with concerns linked to intimacy, sexual diversity and alternative sexual cultures, chronic illness and caregiver stress. Where appropriate he draws on focused techniques such as cognitive strategies and trauma-focused ways of working.
At a glance
- Years practising
- 4
- Registered with
- BACP, NCPS
- Registration number
- 393429, NCS22-00535
- Languages
- English
- Approaches include
- Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy
- How sessions happen
- Online, by video, phone or messages
Details are as listed on Shea's public professional profile. You can check any number with the professional body.
What Shea works with
Everything Shea lists, in their own terms.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Self esteem
- Depression
- LGBT
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Intimacy-related issues
- Sleeping disorders
- Parenting issues
- Anger management
- Career difficulties
- Coping with life changes
- Compassion fatigue
- Abandonment
- BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture
- Blended family issues
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Chronic pain, illness, and disability
- Codependency
- Commitment issues
- Communication problems
- Divorce and separation
- Domestic violence
- Emptiness
- Family problems
- First responder issues
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Immigration issues
- Infidelity
- Isolation / loneliness
- Jealousy
- Life purpose
- Men's issues
- Midlife crisis
- Multicultural concerns
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Self-harm
- Self-love
- Sexual assault and abuse
- Sexuality
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Women's issues
- Workplace issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches Shea lists
- Client-Centred Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Trauma-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 Shea works online
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Shea will discuss different ways of working with you and decide together what seems most useful for your goals and comfort. That collaborative process helps match techniques to your needs rather than forcing a single method.
If you are considering online sessions, check what session formats Shea currently offers before booking. Many people find online therapy helps fit appointments into a busy week, reduces travel time and makes it easier to join from a quieter space. Online sessions can also allow shorter, focused check-ins or longer therapeutic work, depending on what you agree with the therapist. Registered or accredited professionals can use online work to keep continuity between sessions while tailoring each meeting to practical life demands.
Questions and answers
What kinds of problems does Shea help with?
He supports people with stress, anxiety, trauma and grief, as well as relationship and family-related concerns. Additional areas include chronic illness impact, caregiver stress, intimacy and alternative sexual culture issues.
What is Shea's way of working in sessions?
He starts from a person-centred, trauma-informed stance and listens first to understand your situation. From there he adapts approaches and can introduce practical steps or focused techniques as needed.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has four years of professional experience, including work in NHS mental health services, child protection and trauma and suicide intervention organisations.
What qualifications and professional registration does he hold?
He holds an MSc in Counselling and Therapeutic Communication with Professional Practice and is a BACP Therapist - Registered Member MBACP and an NCPS Therapist - Accredited Member MNCPS Accred.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the UK work with him?
International clients are not currently accepted; he practices in the United Kingdom.
How are sessions paid for and what do costs look like?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability and are charged through a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin therapy with him?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.
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