- Person-centred approach
- Practical coping skills
- Culturally aware practice
About Claire
Claire Phillips is a counsellor with ten years' experience and registration with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). She offers a calm, steady presence where people can talk about difficult feelings and painful experiences. Claire aims to make it easier to face what feels overwhelming and to find practical ways forward.
Claire trained in person-centred practice and combines that with approaches including cognitive behavioural techniques, attachment-based thinking, mindfulness and motivational interviewing. She draws on work across NHS surgeries, prisons and drop-in centres, which shaped a practical way of working with complex situations. Claire has also supported people in care home settings and young adults presenting with self-harm, suicidal ideation and substance misuse.
Her background includes living and working in South East Asia for over ten years and more than two decades in South East London. This life experience informs a culturally aware style and an ability to adapt to different life stories. Claire describes therapy as a shared process where strengths are noticed and built on.
Sessions focus on what is causing distress now and on small, achievable changes. Topics she commonly helps people with include anxiety, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, eating and sleeping concerns, ADHD, addiction and coping with natural or human-caused disaster. She also addresses attachment struggles, abandonment and communication problems.
People who value a warm, non-judgemental approach and practical skills are likely to find her style helpful. Claire works with each person to set realistic goals and to identify steps they can try between sessions.
How Claire's approaches translate to online counselling
Claire blends person-centred work with cognitive behavioural techniques and mindfulness in a way that aims to be practical and supportive. Person-centred work means the counsellor listens closely and follows the person's pace, helping them explore feelings and values. Cognitive behavioural ideas focus on noticing patterns of thought and behaviour and practising small changes that reduce distress. Mindfulness offers simple attention and breathing practices to calm the body and steady thinking.Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work together. Claire will talk with each person about goals and preferences and adjust methods as therapy progresses. This collaborative way keeps the focus on what helps most for the person's current situation.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm the session formats available before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions around school, work or travel and can reduce time spent on commuting. Different formats can suit different needs - for example a shorter phone call for a quick check-in, or a video conversation when visual cues help the conversation - so discussing practical arrangements is useful when you first book.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
10+ years
Credentials
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Claire commonly help with?
She supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma and a wide range of relationship and self-esteem issues. The list also includes grief, sleep and eating difficulties, ADHD and coping with life changes.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Claire uses a person-centred way of working alongside cognitive behavioural ideas, mindfulness and motivational interviewing. The focus is on listening, noticing strengths and trying practical steps that suit each person.
What sort of background does she have?
She has worked for ten years in counselling and has experience across NHS settings, prisons and drop-in centres. Claire has also supported young people in care settings and people presenting with self-harm and substance issues.
Where is Claire based and what credential does she hold?
She is based in the United Kingdom and is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the UK work with her?
She accepts international clients; confirm any time zone or scheduling details when you book.
How are sessions arranged and what do they cost?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time. Check the platform for up-to-date pricing for your area.
What should I do to begin working with Claire?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.