Deirdre MacNamara, BACP

Deirdre MacNamara is a BACP registered counsellor practising in the Cheshire West area of England. She brings five years of direct mental health counselling experience working with young people, adults and older adults, supporting clients with anxiety, relationship difficulties at home and work, trauma, grief and loss, depression, gender identity concerns and trauma experienced by key workers and first responders. As a practitioner registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), she emphasises a respectful, person-focused approach that honours each individual’s background and cultural context.

Her work spans community health, educational settings and private practice, offering individual therapy tailored to the presenting needs of each person. She has experience working with indigenous people and in multicultural environments, and she brings an acute sensitivity to cultural and systemic influences on wellbeing. Deirdre sees people as shaped by their closest relationships, environments, life experiences and family systems, and she aims to reflect that understanding in her therapeutic work.

Deirdre’s approach draws on mindfulness practices, compassion-focused ideas, compassionate enquiry and the Rogerian person-centred tradition, which holds that people have an innate capacity for growth when met with unconditional positive regard, honesty and empathic understanding. She seeks to meet clients where they are and to collaborate on a balanced plan that fits each person’s goals. Deirdre supports clients to take courageous steps toward a more fulfilling life and offers steady, warm guidance as they begin that work.

Therapeutic approaches and online support tailored to you

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages acceptance of difficult thoughts and feelings while helping clients clarify their values and take meaningful action. It is often used to address anxiety, depression, stress and challenges around life changes by focusing on what matters most rather than trying to eliminate discomfort.

Client-Centred Therapy, sometimes called person-centred therapy, prioritises empathy, unconditional positive regard and collaboration. This approach supports self-exploration, self-esteem and relationship concerns by creating a nonjudgmental space where clients can find their own solutions.

Mindfulness Therapy teaches present-moment awareness and practical skills to notice thoughts and bodily sensations without getting overwhelmed. It can be helpful for managing stress, rumination and emotional reactivity. Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process; Deirdre will work collaboratively with each person to identify which methods fit their needs, goals and preferences, and she will adapt the work as progress is made.

Online therapy with Deirdre is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to access consistent support from registered professionals and therapists without needing to travel, helping clients maintain continuity of care alongside daily responsibilities.