Charlotte Houghton, BACP

Charlotte Houghton is a warm and direct counsellor who combines person-centred practice with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She communicates with clear, precise language and often uses visual metaphors to make feelings easier to understand - for example describing harsh self-criticism as a small boxer in the mind. Charlotte brings her personality into sessions, including appropriate humour, lived experience, and an expressive presence that helps clients feel seen and understood.

She meets people where they are and works alongside them to explore the issues that matter, avoiding prescriptive advice and instead supporting clients to reach their own decisions and changes. Her work with people bereaved by suicide or sudden death has shaped a style that values kindness, acceptance and gently asking direct questions to bring difficult feelings into the open so clients can move forward with fewer conflicting thoughts.

Charlotte often explores links between current patterns and earlier life experiences, helping clients gain awareness of why they react in particular ways so they can begin to respond differently. She has lived experience of family members with autism and ADHD and a special interest in parenting and the journey to parenthood. She has also worked with people living with multiple sclerosis and understands the anxieties that a long-term diagnosis can bring.

Charlotte has experience supporting a wide range of adults, including people from many countries, different faith backgrounds and none, neurodivergent individuals, LGBTQIA+ and non-binary clients. She holds BACP accreditation - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - which reflects professional standards in the UK. She offers flexible working methods, including email support and worksheets for email-only clients, evening sessions starting at 7pm on several days and daytime appointments on Monday and Thursday to accommodate busy schedules.

She recognises that seeking help takes courage and aims to empower people toward a more fulfilling and happier life. If someone is ready to take that first step, Charlotte is available to support and guide them.

How ACT and Client-Centred Therapy Translate to Online Work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting entangled in them, and then focus on actions that align with their values. It is often used for anxiety, stress, low mood and coping with life changes and can be adapted to online formats with exercises and experiential work. Client-Centred Therapy emphasises a respectful, non-judgemental relationship where the therapist provides empathy, acceptance and genuine presence so the client leads the pace and focus of change; this approach supports issues such as self-esteem, grief and relationship concerns.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Charlotte will work with each person to understand their needs, goals and preferences and will help determine whether ACT, client-centred methods or a blend of both is the best fit for their situation. This shared decision-making helps tailor sessions to what is most useful for the individual.

Online therapy with Charlotte is available by video call, phone session, live chat or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different lifestyles and schedules. These options make it easier to access therapy from home, fit sessions around work or family commitments and maintain continuity of care when in-person meetings are impractical. Registered professionals can adapt therapeutic techniques effectively across these formats to support progress and practical coping in everyday life.