Debra Laking, BACP

Debra Laking is a counsellor who uses an integrative, humanistic approach to help people through hard times. She focuses on building a considerate, non-judgemental space where clients can talk through their concerns and draw on their own strengths. Debra is listed with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP.

She tailors sessions to each person, drawing on a mix of approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Client-Centred work. That means conversations may combine practical steps, attention to values, and listening that helps someone feel understood. Sessions often focus on stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, self-esteem and coping with life changes.

Debra also works with issues connected to ageing and geriatric concerns, attachment, autism and Asperger syndrome, cancer, caregiver stress, and end-of-life and hospice matters. She can support people dealing with control and commitment problems, communication difficulties, isolation and life purpose questions.

With four years of recorded experience, Debra aims to help people notice small changes that make day-to-day life easier. She meets people where they are and helps them explore options rather than prescribing one fixed route.

Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients. To begin, users follow the site Start Therapy process and complete a short matching questionnaire before scheduling according to availability.

How Debra's approaches translate to online therapy

Debra commonly draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Client-Centred ways of working, as well as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. ACT helps people clarify what matters to them and take small steps towards those values, which can reduce avoidance and build meaning. Client-Centred work focuses on listening and reflecting so people feel understood and can make their own changes. CBT looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviour and offers practical strategies for changing unhelpful patterns.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Debra will discuss goals, preferences and day-to-day needs and then agree a mix of methods. This is a collaborative process where the person and counsellor check in and adapt as things change.

The practical benefits of online therapy often include fitting sessions around work, travel or caring responsibilities and reducing time spent on journeys. Confirm current session options before booking so you know what formats are offered. Online sessions can make it easier to have regular short check-ins or longer weekly appointments depending on what suits someone's routine and aims.