Carol Shields, BACP

Carol Shields is a counsellor who helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression and changes that come with life transitions. She supports those dealing with relationship strain, grief, addictions and self-esteem challenges. Carol also works with people facing ADHD, bipolar difficulties and career-related stress. She is known for a calm, respectful approach and has a BACP credential, which she holds in the United Kingdom.

Her style is practical and straightforward. Sessions focus on small, doable steps and on what helps most day to day. Carol uses gentle listening and clear feedback rather than long lectures. Mindfulness and skills practice are woven into conversations when they fit.

Carol draws on cognitive behavioural ideas to spot unhelpful thought and behaviour patterns. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people notice painful feelings without getting stuck in them. Client-centred work keeps the person’s own goals at the centre of each session.

Over ten years of practice have brought a range of experiences supporting people through loss, caregiving strain and ageing-related concerns. Carol aims to help people build routines and coping tools that make life more manageable. She encourages realistic goals and steady progress.

People who choose Carol tend to want practical strategies, clearer thinking and more self-compassion. The first sessions typically focus on immediate concerns and simple steps to feel steadier. Longer term work can add new skills and stronger routines.

Approaches that suit online work and everyday life

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages noticing difficult feelings and choosing actions that matter despite them. It is useful for anxiety, depression and life changes where getting unstuck is a priority. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and actions and teaches practical skills to shift unhelpful patterns. It can help with anxiety, mood problems and managing stress. Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and supporting the person's own goals, building a trusting working relationship that helps people find their direction.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss needs, preferences and goals in early sessions and make decisions together about which methods to try. This collaborative process means approaches can adapt as the work progresses.

Confirm the current session options before booking, as the biography does not list specific formats. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when that suits. It can also let people use video or phone choices depending on bandwidth and comfort. Your therapist will help arrange practical details so sessions fit into everyday life.