Paula Appleton, BACP, NCPS - Therapist in United Kingdom

Anxiety and stress
Depression and grief
ACT CBT DBT approaches

About Paula

Paula Appleton is a counsellor registered with the BACP and NCPS and has 14 years of clinical experience in the United Kingdom. Paula lists a wide range of concerns she supports, including stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, grief, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy issues, eating and sleeping difficulties, and challenges around career and life changes.

She uses an integrative approach and draws on several therapy styles to match what each person needs. Sessions are practical and focused on what is happening now and how to manage it differently. Paula also notes experience working with Deaf and hard of hearing people and uses Signed Supported English and British Sign Language at NVQ Level 6 where needed.

Clients can expect straightforward talking sessions that focus on thoughts, feelings and behaviour. Paula mentions work with issues such as sexual abuse, PTSD, affairs and betrayal, chronic illness, tinnitus, and bereavement. She also lists areas like ADHD, attachment and body image among her additional focus areas.

Paula follows the BACP Ethical Framework in her practice and adapts therapy methods according to each person’s needs. She aims to help people take time to focus on their wellbeing and to look at emotional and practical responses to life events.

To begin, Paula asks people to use the site matching questionnaire and schedule a first session. This process helps clarify practical arrangements and which approaches might be used in early sessions.

Therapeutic approaches and online sessions

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on noticing difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them. It supports people who struggle with avoidance, anxiety or feeling overwhelmed to take actions that matter to them. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at links between thoughts, feelings and behaviour and offers clear strategies to change unhelpful patterns; it is often used for anxiety, depression and stress.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The counsellor will discuss goals and preferences in early sessions and together decide which methods to try. This collaborative planning helps match techniques to what is most useful for day-to-day life and for the issues being addressed.

Practical benefits of online work include easier fitting of sessions into study or work breaks, avoiding travel time, and options for shorter check-ins when needed. The profile does not list specific session formats here, so confirm the exact online options before booking. Registered or accredited professionals can offer online sessions that follow the same therapeutic approaches used face to face, and Paula will discuss which approach and format suit the individual during the matching and first session process.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse Depression

Also works with

Addictions LGBT Grief Intimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issues Communication problems Control issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHearing impairedHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivity InfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / loneliness Jealousy Life purpose Men's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issues Mood disorders Multicultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTraumatic brain injuryTrichotillomaniaVisually impairedWomen's issues Workplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyGottman MethodJungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family SystemsSystemic Therapy

Experience

14+ years

Listed in

United Kingdom

Languages

English, American Sign Language

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does Paula work with?

She lists many concerns including anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma and abuse, grief, relationship and intimacy issues, eating and sleeping problems, career challenges and coping with life changes.

How does Paula approach therapy?

She uses an integrative style, combining a range of approaches to suit each person. The work tends to focus on current thoughts, feelings and behaviours and practical ways to manage them.

How long has she been practising?

Paula has 14 years of experience working as a counsellor in the United Kingdom.

What are Paula's professional credentials and location?

She is listed with the BACP and NCPS and practises in the United Kingdom.

Which languages are supported in sessions?

Sessions are offered in English and American Sign Language. She also uses Signed Supported English and British Sign Language at NVQ Level 6 where appropriate.

Can international clients work with her?

Yes, she accepts international clients as stated in her profile.

How are sessions organised and paid for?

Costs vary with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.

What should I do to start a first session?

Use the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a first session through the platform.

Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.