- Person-centred focus
- Practical CBT tools
- Relational support
About Paula
Paula Otley is a counsellor who helps people feeling overwhelmed by stress, grief, anxiety and sleep problems. She meets people where they are and focuses on building a trusting relationship to talk through what matters most. Her straightforward, warm approach aims to make difficult topics easier to face.
Paula has over 16 years of experience supporting people, beginning through bereavement volunteer work. That early role shaped her decision to train as an integrative counsellor. She draws on person-centred and psychodynamic ways of working from a relational viewpoint.
In 2020 she added cognitive behavioural therapy, and uses it alongside other approaches to give practical tools for everyday problems. Her background includes work in GP practices, the NHS, charities, community counselling and employee assistance programmes as well as private practice. She holds BACP and NCPS credentials.
Sessions focus on what the client wants to change. Paula listens, reflects, and helps people notice patterns that keep them stuck. Where useful, she introduces simple strategies to manage mood, sleep and anxious thoughts.
The pace and focus are decided together. Clients set the goals and Paula supports progress step by step. People looking for help with sleep, relationships, loss, self‑esteem or life changes can expect an accepting, steady presence in sessions.
How her approaches can work online
Paula combines person-centred work with psychodynamic thinking and cognitive behavioural techniques. Person-centred therapy focuses on listening closely, following the client’s agenda and offering understanding so people feel heard and accepted. Psychodynamic ideas look at patterns from past relationships and how they affect current feelings and choices. Cognitive behavioural therapy gives practical steps to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, which can be useful for sleep, anxiety and mood issues.Choosing the right approach is collaborative. Paula will talk with each person about their needs, goals and preferences and then try methods that fit. The plan can change as the work progresses so clients help shape what happens in sessions.
Practical benefits of online work include fitting sessions into busy lives and making it easier to attend from different locations. If you are considering online counselling, confirm the current session options before booking so you know what formats are offered. Paula aims to make therapy manageable around everyday commitments and will discuss how to structure sessions to suit your schedule.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
16+ years
Credentials
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Paula help with?
She works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and intimacy difficulties, eating and sleeping problems, addictions, ADHD and compassion fatigue.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her work is relational and person-centred, combined with psychodynamic reflection and practical cognitive behavioural techniques when useful.
How long has she been practising?
She has over 16 years of experience beginning with bereavement support volunteering and later roles across NHS, charity and private settings.
Which professional credentials does she hold and where is she based?
Paula holds BACP and NCPS credentials and is based in the United Kingdom.
Can I work with her if I live outside the UK?
Sessions are offered to international clients and are conducted in English.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not specify session formats; please confirm the current session options before booking.
How are fees and payments handled?
Costs vary with location and therapist arrangements; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with Paula?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.