Muriel Tafts, BACP

Muriel Tafts holds a Foundation Degree in Integrated Counselling, a qualification that covered person-centred, cognitive behavioural, and psychodynamic therapies. She is also associated with the BACP - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - reflecting her professional standing in the field. Her additional training spans the neuroscience of ADHD and ASD, and work with conditions such as dementia, addiction, depression, and psychosis. Muriel has completed further coursework in treating perfectionism, OCD, anxiety, and self-harm, and she has training in suicide prevention. She is currently studying for an MSc in Workplace Health and Wellbeing to deepen her understanding of mental health in occupational settings.

Muriel brings six years of part-time practical experience - two years completed as a placement during her studies and four years working post-qualification. She has supported people coping with stress and anxiety, low mood and depression, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, family conflicts, life stage transitions, and career or workplace challenges. Her approach centres on creating an open, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore feelings and experiences.

Muriel encourages curiosity about thinking, feeling, and behavioural patterns and works collaboratively to explore root causes while keeping a focus on practical solutions. She offers information about psychological concepts and suggests exercises to try between sessions when appropriate. Goals for counselling are typically agreed within the first three sessions, with progress reviewed every four weeks. Muriel believes that healing and change are possible and that people often benefit from someone to walk alongside them while they find their way.

Therapeutic approaches and online support

Muriel works integratively, drawing on client-centred therapy to create a warm, accepting space where the client’s own perspective leads the way. This approach focuses on empathy and listening to help clients explore feelings and build self-understanding, often supporting issues like low self-esteem, relationship struggles, and life transitions.

She also uses cognitive behavioural therapy - a structured approach that helps identify and adjust unhelpful thought and behaviour patterns. CBT is commonly used for anxiety, stress, and mood difficulties and includes practical exercises clients can try between sessions.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Muriel collaborates with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. Throughout therapy she reviews progress and adapts the plan so the work remains relevant and effective.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into busy lives and to access registered professionals from home or work while maintaining continuity of care with a consistent therapist.