Chibuike Ikechukwu, BACP

Chibuike Ikechukwu is a counsellor with 11 years of experience who helps people facing stress, anxiety, low self-esteem and major life changes. He also supports people dealing with relationship strain, depression and issues that can follow separation or loss. He speaks English, Igbo and Yoruba, and can work with people from different cultural backgrounds.

Chibuike uses a blend of approaches to suit each person’s needs. He draws on client-centred ways of working to follow what matters most to the person in the room. He also uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help spot unhelpful thinking and Emotionally-Focused Therapy to look at patterns in close relationships.

His training includes a Diploma in Counselling from Oxford and a BSc in Counselling from the University of East London, and he holds BACP registration. His background also includes theological study at BSc, MSc and PhD level, which informs an interest in meaning and values during therapy.

During sessions he aims to listen closely, ask straightforward questions and work collaboratively on practical steps. He has experience supporting people affected by immigration and has worked in community counselling settings. People can expect clear, calm conversation and help to find ways forward that fit their life.

To begin, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and then arrange sessions based on the therapist's schedule. The therapist accepts international clients and seeks to adapt his approach to each person's goals.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online work

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and following what matters most to each person. In online sessions this means the counsellor prioritises the client’s agenda and mirrors concerns back so people feel heard and understood. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviour. Delivered remotely, CBT can include short tasks between sessions and practical strategies for managing stress and anxiety. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) helps people notice interaction patterns in close relationships and name emotions that drive behaviour, which can be explored in conversation during online meetings.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences and practical needs and then suggest which methods to try first. This is a collaborative conversation and plans can change as therapy progresses.

Confirm the session formats before booking as the biography does not list specific online methods. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. It can also support people who live abroad, since international clients are accepted, but check any regional rules that may apply before starting.