Paula Byrne, BACP
Calm, practical listening for life transitions
Opens BetterHelp in a new tab, where you can review online therapy options.
- Non-judgemental space
- Practical steps
- Caring and grounded
About Paula
Paula's background includes roles in a GP surgery, a homeless hostel and with the Samaritans. Those settings shaped her focus on clear listening and straightforward support. She uses those skills when people describe stress, anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship strain or difficulties around self-worth and breakups.
Her work draws on a mix of approaches including attachment-based ideas, client-centred listening and cognitive behavioural techniques. In practice that means sessions often begin by noticing what matters most to the person and then trying small, practical steps to shift thoughts or patterns. Paula also brings awareness of emotions and deeper themes when helpful.
She helps people facing challenges linked to family problems, communication struggles, abandonment or attachment concerns, and issues such as addiction or body image. Paula also has experience supporting people affected by cancer, caregiving strain and separation.
Paula describes herself as caring, thoughtful and approachable. She adapts the pace to each person and emphasises that counselling is a process taken together. To start, she invites people to take a small first step and see if the fit feels right.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
6+ years
Credentials
United Kingdom
Languages
English
How Paula's approaches translate to online counselling
Attachment-based work focuses on patterns in relationships and how early caregiving shapes current trust and closeness. Online sessions can help people notice those patterns and try different ways of relating in day-to-day life. Client-centred counselling places the person and their experience at the heart of the session, prioritising listening and reflection to help someone find their own solutions. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings and behaviours connect and uses small practical experiments to shift unhelpful cycles.Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the therapeutic process. Paula will work with each client to identify what feels most useful, adapting the balance between listening, emotional work and practical exercises. The choice is collaborative and can change as goals evolve.
If you are considering online sessions, check what session formats are currently offered before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit counselling into a busy week, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Some clients prefer video for face-to-face connection, while others choose audio for lower bandwidth or quieter concentration. Confirm the available options during booking so arrangements suit your daily routine.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does Paula help with?
Paula works with people experiencing stress, anxiety, grief, trauma and relationship difficulties. She also supports concerns such as addiction, intimacy issues, body image and family problems.
How would Paula describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is warm and down-to-earth with a strong emphasis on listening. Sessions combine client-centred conversation with practical steps from cognitive approaches and attention to attachment concerns.
What is Paula's professional background?
She has six years of professional experience and has worked in a GP surgery, a homeless hostel and with the Samaritans. These roles informed her focus on clear listening and honest support.
Where is Paula based and what credential does she hold?
Paula practises in the United Kingdom and is listed with the BACP, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the UK work with Paula?
She accepts international clients. Please confirm practical arrangements and times when you arrange a session.
How are sessions charged and organised?
Costs vary with location and therapist arrangements; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time. Exact fees are provided during the booking process.
How do I begin working with Paula?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing the short matching questionnaire. You can then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.