Claire Bottomley, BACP

Claire Bottomley is an accredited member of the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) with five years of professional experience supporting adults and young people. She holds a First Class Honours degree in Therapeutic Counselling, a Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy, and is a certified Rewind Trauma Therapist with IARTT. These qualifications reflect formal training in talking therapies, evidence-based approaches to thinking and behaviour, and a specialist method for processing traumatic memories.

Claire works with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, panic, low mood, grief, relationship difficulties, sexual abuse and other traumatic experiences. She takes an integrative, person-centred approach that prioritises the therapeutic relationship and adapts techniques to the needs of each individual. Elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Psychodynamic ideas, Transactional Analysis and trauma-focused Rewind Therapy are blended to help clients understand how past experiences affect current patterns and to identify practical steps for change.

Claire emphasises collaboration and tailors therapy goals to what each person wants to achieve. She offers a supportive, non-judgmental space where people can explore their difficulties, build new coping strategies and work towards clearer, more manageable ways of living.

Therapeutic approaches and online support

Claire uses a mix of evidence-informed approaches to suit different needs. Client-Centred Therapy focuses on building a trusting, non-judgemental relationship so clients can explore their feelings and decide the direction of therapy; it is helpful for issues like low mood, relationship worries and self-esteem. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches practical techniques to identify and change unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns, making it useful for anxiety, panic and many everyday difficulties. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) emphasises values-based action and learning to live with difficult thoughts and feelings rather than fighting them, which can help with stress, avoidance and life transitions.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey. Claire works collaboratively with each person to identify goals, try different methods and tailor the mix of approaches to what fits best with their needs and preferences.

Online therapy offers flexibility - sessions can take place by video call or phone, and shorter contacts are possible via live chat or text-based messaging. This range of options makes it easier to access support around work, family commitments or location, while still working with registered professionals and therapists trained to adapt their methods for remote formats.