Shirley Patterson

BACP · United Kingdom

Compassionate person-centred counselling

Experience

6 years

Practising in

United Kingdom

Languages

English

Session type

Online only

About Shirley

Shirley Patterson offers calm, straightforward support for people facing grief, low self-esteem, career uncertainty, depression and major life changes. She helps individuals who are tired of feeling stuck and who want a kind, listening presence while they work toward change. Shirley is a BACP counsellor and uses a person-centred way of working to keep sessions focused on each person's needs.

In sessions Shirley lets the client lead the conversation. She listens without judgement and reflects back what she hears so people can better understand their thoughts and feelings.

Background and approach

That approach is useful when someone wants time to think aloud and to find their own answers rather than being told what to do. With six years of experience Shirley has supported people coping with loss, dips in motivation, and the stress of changing jobs or roles.

She offers practical, paced conversations that aim to reduce overwhelm and build confidence in handling daily life. Shirley works one-to-one and encourages honest talk about difficult feelings. She checks in regularly to make sure her understanding matches what the client is trying to say.

This helps people feel heard and gain clarity about next steps. Those who choose Shirley can expect a respectful, warm presence and space to explore what matters most to them. She focuses on helping people identify small, manageable changes that can improve wellbeing over time.

What Shirley works with

Primary focus

Also works with

How Shirley works

Client-Centred Therapy

Listed by Shirley among the ways they work.

Sessions & fees

Person-centred care and online sessions

Shirley primarily uses a person-centred approach which focuses on listening, warmth and respect. In this way the counsellor follows the client's lead, reflects feelings and helps the client find their own solutions. This method is helpful for people coping with grief, low confidence, depression or life changes who need time to talk things through.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Shirley will discuss how person-centred counselling fits with the client's goals and needs. Together they will decide whether this way of working is the best match and make adjustments as the relationship develops.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging. Video calls are useful for a face-to-face feel and fuller discussion, phone sessions suit those who prefer not to be on camera or who have limited bandwidth, live chat offers a shorter, immediate check-in and text messaging supports ongoing reflection between conversations. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, family life and other commitments while keeping the focus on progress and accessibility.

Session length	Typically 50 minutes
Client ages	Adults, 18 and over
Fees	Subscription via BetterHelp, cancel anytime
Insurance	Not billed directly

Questions people ask

What issues does Shirley specialise in?

She supports people dealing with grief, low self-esteem, career difficulties, depression, coping with life changes and relationship concerns.

What is her therapeutic style like?

Shirley follows a person-centred approach where the client leads sessions and she listens, reflects and helps them find their own solutions.

How much experience does she have?

She has six years of professional experience working with people on the concerns listed above.

What credentials and region are relevant?

Shirley is registered with BACP, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, and practises in the United Kingdom.

Which languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the UK work with her?

International clients are not currently accepted; she works with people based in the United Kingdom.

What session formats are available?

Shirley offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging as ways to connect.

How do payments and starting therapy work?

Costs vary by location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time. To begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule according to the therapist's availability.