Tracey Gardener, BACP

Tracey Gardener is an integrative counsellor with more than a decade of experience supporting people through anxiety, relationship patterns, trauma, self-esteem difficulties and the long-term effects of early life experiences. She blends theoretical knowledge with practical tools, tailoring each programme to the individual and placing particular emphasis on attachment theory and trauma-informed work to help people understand themselves, process old wounds and develop healthier ways of relating.

Her manner is warm, steady and down-to-earth, and she creates a non-judgmental space where people can speak openly, pause and explore what is happening at a pace that feels manageable. Reaching out for support can feel daunting, and Tracey frames that first step as an act of courage rather than a requirement to have all the answers.

Tracey holds a BA (Hons) in Integrative Counselling, an FdA in Counselling and a Diploma in Mindful Mental Health, and she is registered with BACP. Her continuing professional development includes workshops on eating disorders and sex addiction, training in attachment theory and couples relationships, sandtray and creative therapy, and an eight-week mindfulness training course. These qualifications support an integrative approach that adapts to each person’s needs and goals.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Tracey draws primarily on Attachment-Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness Therapy in her work. Attachment-Based Therapy explores early relationship experiences and how they shape current patterns, helping with issues such as abandonment, attachment difficulties and relationship problems. CBT focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, and is often used to manage anxiety, low mood and unhelpful coping strategies. Mindfulness Therapy teaches present-moment awareness and practical exercises to reduce stress, improve emotional regulation and support self-esteem.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Tracey works collaboratively with each person to identify which methods best fit their needs, goals and preferences, and adjusts the plan over time so the work feels relevant and effective.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging, which make scheduling more flexible and allow therapy to fit around work, family and other commitments. For many people this accessibility supports consistent engagement and makes it easier to maintain momentum between sessions with a registered professional.