Chris Orton, BACP

Chris Orton is a counsellor who helps people facing stress, anxiety, low self-esteem and life changes such as midlife reassessment. He works with those dealing with relationship strain, grief, trauma, eating and intimacy concerns, and people questioning gender or identity. He aims to offer a steady presence while clients make sense of difficult feelings and choices.

Chris uses a person-centred way of working that focuses on the client’s own experience. He listens carefully and reflects what he hears so clients can spot patterns in their thinking and behaviour. This is practical, not pressurised; the client sets the pace and the emotional depth of sessions.

He also draws on existential ideas that look at meaning, responsibility and how people relate to life’s limits. This can help when someone feels empty, stuck or overwhelmed by big questions about purpose or identity. Together they explore what matters and what might change.

Chris trained at postgraduate level in counselling and psychotherapy and is registered with the BACP, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. He previously worked in a university counselling service, offering support to a diverse student group, and has three years’ practice experience.

Sessions aim to increase self-understanding so people can create new, healthier habits. Chris emphasises respect for difference and works in a non-judgemental way that honours each person’s individuality. He also has a research interest in cross-cultural therapy and considers wider social factors that affect wellbeing.

How these approaches translate to online counselling

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening, empathy and helping people find their own way forward. In practice this means the counsellor reflects what a person says, offers acceptance and helps them notice patterns in thoughts and feelings that they may want to change.

Existential Therapy looks at meaning, responsibility and how people relate to life’s challenges. It can be useful for those dealing with emptiness, major life shifts, identity questions or the sense that life’s choices need re-examining.

Finding the right approach is usually collaborative. The therapist will discuss hopes, goals and preferences and together they will try ways of working that suit the person. That exploration can include adjusting tone, pace and focus as the relationship develops.

Confirm the session formats before booking, as specific formats are not listed here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit counselling around work, caregiving or other commitments. It may reduce travel time, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and make it simpler to attend from different locations. Registered or accredited professionals often use online work to help people maintain continuity of care while they manage everyday life.