Paula Ciocirlau, BACP
Compassionate counsellor for midlife challenges
Continue with Paula
Opens BetterHelp in a new tab, where you can review online therapy options.
- Person-centred approach
- Practical goal setting
- English and Romanian
About Paula
Paula Ciocirlau is a BACP-registered counsellor who helps people facing midlife transitions, stress, anxiety and relationship strain. She speaks English and Romanian and aims to make conversations clear and practical. Paula encourages short-term goals alongside deeper work, depending on what each person needs.
Her approach is collaborative and straightforward. Sessions focus on what matters most to the person sitting across from her, with room to talk about parenting, career shifts, grief, addictions, or changes in intimacy. Paula listens, reflects, and helps people identify small steps they can try between meetings.
She trained in psychotherapy beginning in 2016 in Vienna, and has built eight years of experience since then. That background informs a broad view of how culture, life events and relationships shape mood and behaviour. She draws on person-centred ways of working and solution-focused ideas and also uses Internal Family Systems concepts when helpful.
People who come to Paula often want practical support alongside understanding. That might mean clearer boundaries, new ways to manage stress, or gentle work on long-standing patterns. Sessions can include goal-setting, role-play or exploring different parts of the self to make sense of difficult feelings.
Paula works from a collaborative stance and adapts to each person’s pace. To begin, a short questionnaire matches practical needs before scheduling. She accepts international clients and aims to make therapy fit into everyday life.
Her approach is collaborative and straightforward. Sessions focus on what matters most to the person sitting across from her, with room to talk about parenting, career shifts, grief, addictions, or changes in intimacy. Paula listens, reflects, and helps people identify small steps they can try between meetings.
She trained in psychotherapy beginning in 2016 in Vienna, and has built eight years of experience since then. That background informs a broad view of how culture, life events and relationships shape mood and behaviour. She draws on person-centred ways of working and solution-focused ideas and also uses Internal Family Systems concepts when helpful.
People who come to Paula often want practical support alongside understanding. That might mean clearer boundaries, new ways to manage stress, or gentle work on long-standing patterns. Sessions can include goal-setting, role-play or exploring different parts of the self to make sense of difficult feelings.
Paula works from a collaborative stance and adapts to each person’s pace. To begin, a short questionnaire matches practical needs before scheduling. She accepts international clients and aims to make therapy fit into everyday life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHearing impairedHIV / AIDSHoardingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTraumatic brain injuryTrichotillomaniaVisually impairedWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Client-Centered TherapySolution-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems
Experience
8+ years
Credentials
United Kingdom
Languages
English, Romanian
How Paula’s approaches shape online support
Paula draws on Client-Centred Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy and Internal Family Systems in her work. Client-Centred Therapy means the conversation follows the person’s priorities, with the counsellor mirroring what’s said and helping people feel heard. Solution-Focused Therapy narrows the focus to practical steps and small changes that can make day-to-day life easier. Internal Family Systems is used to notice different parts of the self and understand how they influence feelings and decisions, which can help with issues like anxiety or relationship patterns.Finding the right approach is part of the therapy process. Paula discusses goals and preferences at the start and adjusts methods as the work progresses. This collaborative way helps people test what feels useful and change direction if needed.
The biography does not list specific online formats, so please confirm the available session types before booking. Online therapy can still make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It also offers ways to continue work during life changes, keeping progress steady while people juggle work, family and other demands.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of concerns does Paula help with?
She supports people with stress, anxiety, relationship and parenting issues, career changes, depression, addictions and grief, among other challenges.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Paula works collaboratively, using person-centred listening alongside solution-focused techniques and Internal Family Systems ideas to help people reach practical goals.
What is her background and experience?
She began training in psychotherapy in 2016 in Vienna and has eight years of practice experience since then.
What credentials and location are listed?
Paula is registered with the BACP and is based in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English and Romanian for both UK-based and international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not specify session formats, so please confirm current session options with the service before booking.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist arrangements; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I start working with her?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.