Madeleine Heffernan, BACP
Midlife and life-change counsellor
Continue with Madeleine
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- Compassion-focused support
- Practical therapy tasks
- Explores past and present
About Madeleine
Madeleine Heffernan is a counsellor based in the United Kingdom who helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, family conflict, trauma and abuse, depression and midlife concerns. She draws on eight years of practice and uses straightforward conversation to help clients make sense of what they are living through. Madeleine holds BACP accreditation and aims to support people as they work toward clearer thinking and greater emotional balance.
Her way of working is adaptable and practical. Sessions can include listening, gentle exploration of past experiences, and attention to current thought patterns and behaviours. Madeleine sometimes suggests tasks or observations to try between meetings to help apply what comes up in sessions to everyday life.
She uses psychodynamic ideas to look at how earlier experiences affect present behaviour, and she draws on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to spot and change unhelpful thinking. Compassion-focused ideas are brought in to help people be kinder to themselves, and she sometimes offers Emotional Freedom Technique as an optional tool.
Madeleine describes therapy as a collaborative process where the client is the expert on their own life. She aims to create space for practical steps as well as deeper understanding. The overall focus is on helping people cope with life changes, manage difficult feelings, and rebuild a sense of direction.
Sessions take place at set times during the week, and Madeleine responds to messages within set daily hours. Prospective clients are encouraged to check current session options and scheduling details before booking.
Her way of working is adaptable and practical. Sessions can include listening, gentle exploration of past experiences, and attention to current thought patterns and behaviours. Madeleine sometimes suggests tasks or observations to try between meetings to help apply what comes up in sessions to everyday life.
She uses psychodynamic ideas to look at how earlier experiences affect present behaviour, and she draws on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to spot and change unhelpful thinking. Compassion-focused ideas are brought in to help people be kinder to themselves, and she sometimes offers Emotional Freedom Technique as an optional tool.
Madeleine describes therapy as a collaborative process where the client is the expert on their own life. She aims to create space for practical steps as well as deeper understanding. The overall focus is on helping people cope with life changes, manage difficult feelings, and rebuild a sense of direction.
Sessions take place at set times during the week, and Madeleine responds to messages within set daily hours. Prospective clients are encouraged to check current session options and scheduling details before booking.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
AddictionsLGBTGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryWomen's issuesWorkplace issues
Therapeutic approaches
Attachment-Based TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy
Experience
8+ years
Credentials
United Kingdom
Languages
English
How therapeutic approaches shape online work
Attachment-based approaches focus on patterns in relationships and how early bonds influence current connections; this can help when worries centre on trust, abandonment or attachment issues. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at thoughts and behaviours that keep problems going and offers practical tools to shift them, which is useful for anxiety, low mood and unhelpful routines. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) helps people recognise and work with strong emotions in the moment, which can ease intense relationship distress and improve emotional awareness.Finding the right approach is part of the process. Madeleine works collaboratively to identify what feels most useful based on a person's needs, goals and preferences. She combines elements from different methods so sessions match what a client wants to achieve rather than sticking to a single label.
If you are considering online work, check the therapist's current session options before booking. The biography notes set live session times and messaging responsiveness, so confirm which formats are offered today. Online work can make fitting therapy into a busy life easier, for example by reducing travel time, allowing shorter check-ins, or offering options that suit different comfort levels with video and audio.
Frequently asked questions
What problems does Madeleine help with?
She supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship strain, family conflict, trauma and abuse, depression, addictions and midlife concerns, among other issues.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her approach is adaptable and collaborative, combining listening, reflection and practical tasks to help apply new insights in daily life.
How much experience does she have?
She has eight years of clinical experience working with a broad range of emotional and relational concerns.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and works from the United Kingdom.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the UK work with her?
She is not currently accepting international clients.
How are costs and billing handled?
Fees vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.