Stephen Mclaughlin, BACP

Stephen Mclaughlin is a psychotherapeutic counsellor based in the United Kingdom with five years of private practice experience. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma and an Advanced Diploma in Transactional Analysis, and a qualification in Person Centred Counselling Skills. He is also registered with BACP, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, which is a professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists.

Stephen creates a compassionate, non-judgmental space where people can explore difficult thoughts and feelings. He works with individuals who are coping with anxiety, anger, trauma, overwhelm, low mood, and challenges expressing or experiencing emotions. People often come to him feeling stuck, trying to make sense of past experiences, or wanting to find ways to feel more settled in the present.

He pays particular attention to the stories individuals tell about themselves and how those narratives shape relationships and wellbeing. Using his training in Transactional Analysis and person centred skills, he helps clients examine interaction patterns, internal messages, and emotional responses so they can make meaningful changes. Stephen supports a wide range of concerns including relationship difficulties, LGBT issues, attachment and abandonment struggles, trauma and abuse, self-harm, panic and mood disorders, and aspects of neurodiversity such as autism and Asperger Syndrome. His approach aims to help people improve how they relate to others and to themselves.

Practical therapeutic approaches and online support

Stephen draws on Transactional Analysis and person centred counselling skills in his online practice. Transactional Analysis looks at patterns in how people relate to others and to themselves, helping to identify recurring interaction styles and unhelpful internal messages that can maintain anxiety, relationship difficulties, or feelings of low self-worth. Person centred work focuses on empathic listening and supporting a person to explore their own experiences and values, which can be helpful for processing grief, building self-esteem, and working through emotions at a comfortable pace.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and Stephen works collaboratively with each person to decide what fits best. He will discuss goals, preferences, and practical needs, and adapt techniques so the work aligns with the client’s priorities and pace.

Online therapy with Stephen is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to provide flexibility around work, family, and mobility constraints. These options make it easier to attend regularly, try different session formats, and continue therapy when life circumstances change, while maintaining a consistent relationship with a registered professional.