Claire Cotgrove, BACP

Claire Cotgrove offers an affirming, non-judgmental space for people exploring sexuality, gender, or neurodivergence, and for those healing from trauma, coercive relationships, or lasting shame and guilt. She works from a person-centred stance that places the client at the heart of therapy, using warmth and empathy to help people feel seen and supported as they make sense of difficult experiences.

With a background in life experience that informs her practice, Claire combines compassionate listening with professional training. She holds BACP membership - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - which is the professional body for counsellors in the United Kingdom. That professional affiliation reflects her commitment to ongoing standards of practice and ethical care.

Claire supports a wide range of concerns, including LGBTQ issues, neurodivergence such as ADHD and autism, trauma and abuse, relationship and intimacy difficulties, and challenges tied to family change, loss, or chronic health conditions. She also works with complexities like attachment and abandonment issues, sexual and kink-related concerns, and communication or commitment struggles within relationships.

Sessions focus on the person in front of her, offering space to explore thoughts and feelings and to try creative ways of processing where helpful. Whether someone is navigating a particular crisis or seeking deeper self-understanding, Claire aims to walk alongside them as they build resilience, reclaim agency, and move toward greater acceptance and wellbeing.

How client-centred and trauma-focused approaches translate online

Client-Centred Therapy emphasizes empathy, unconditional acceptance, and active listening. Online, this approach means the therapist creates a supportive presence through attentive conversation, helping clients explore identity, relationships, and feelings at their own pace. It is well suited to people seeking greater self-understanding, support with LGBTQ+ or gender questions, or help building emotional resilience.

Trauma-Focused Therapy concentrates on understanding and processing the effects of traumatic experiences in ways that reduce their ongoing impact. In an online setting this can involve paced conversations, grounding techniques, and collaborative planning to manage distress. It is particularly helpful for those recovering from abuse, coercive relationships, or other traumatic events.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Claire works with clients to identify goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful, and adjusts methods as the therapeutic relationship develops. Clients and the therapist decide together which techniques and pace fit best.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call or phone, and some work can be done through live chat or text-based messaging. This makes it easier to fit therapy around work, family, or mobility needs and to continue care when in-person visits are difficult. Registered professionals can use these options to maintain continuity of care while adapting to each client’s circumstances.