Debra Laking, BACP

Debra Laking is a UK-based therapist who offers a compassionate, non-judgemental space for people facing stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief, self-esteem concerns, and life transitions. She works from an integrative humanistic perspective, tailoring each session to the unique needs and strengths of the person in front of her and drawing on established therapeutic methods to support practical change and emotional resilience.

Her practice focuses on helping clients navigate role and relationship challenges, cope with loss, manage anxious and stressful periods, and find clearer direction during major life changes. Debra also brings experience working with issues related to aging and geriatric concerns, attachment and neurodiversity, caregiver stress, cancer and hospice situations, and the emotional impacts of separation, commitment questions, isolation, and first responder pressures.

Debra uses approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered methods, Mindfulness practices, and elements of the Gottman Method where relevant, adapting these tools to each person’s goals. She emphasises empathy, active listening, and collaborative exploration so that people can develop practical coping strategies and reconnect with their strengths.

Debra is a member of BACP, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, which reflects her commitment to professional standards in counselling and psychotherapy. She provides support in English and is open to working with international clients through a range of remote session types.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Debra commonly draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in her work. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people clarify their values and learn practical ways to live in line with those values while managing difficult thoughts and feelings - it can be useful for anxiety, stress, and coping with life changes. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and listening so the person feels heard and supported while exploring their own solutions - this approach suits relationship concerns, grief, and self-esteem work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying patterns of thought and behaviour that maintain distress and developing concrete skills to change them, which can be helpful for anxiety, low mood, and stress management.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Debra works collaboratively with each person to understand their goals, preferences, and specific situation and will adapt techniques so the therapy fits the client rather than fitting the client to a single method.

Online therapy with Debra includes video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to access consistent support from registered professionals, accommodate caregiving or work commitments, and maintain continuity of care across locations.