Deirdre MacNamara, BACP

Deirdre MacNamara is a BACP counsellor who supports adults facing stress, anxiety, grief and life changes. She works with people dealing with trauma, depression, self-esteem struggles, anger, eating concerns and ADHD. Deirdre also has a focus on ageing and geriatric issues, caregiver stress, chronic illness and cancer-related distress. She presents herself as warm and respectful, and aims to make the first step feel manageable for someone who is worried or unsure.

Deirdre draws on approaches that help people connect with their values and emotions. She uses mindfulness and compassion-focused ideas to calm the body and mind. Her practice also reflects person-centred principles that put the client’s experience at the centre of sessions.

Her background includes work across community health, educational settings and private practice. She has provided direct counselling with young people, adults and older adults in Cheshire West and nearby areas. That practical experience informs how she adapts conversations to different life stages and situations.

Deirdre pays attention to cultural context and the impact of relationships and family systems. She aims to be honest, transparent and empathic in the room. Her style is collaborative - she works alongside people to set realistic goals and choose approaches that fit.

People considering therapy can expect a calm, steady presence and practical ways to manage distress. Deirdre encourages small steps and supports people as they test out new ways of coping and living that feel more in line with their values.

Approaches that guide online conversations

Deirdre uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people clarify what matters to them and take small, meaningful steps towards those values. ACT is useful when someone feels stuck by anxiety, depression or life transitions. She also draws on Client-Centred Therapy, which prioritises empathic listening and unconditional positive regard to help people feel heard and understood.

Finding the best approach is usually a shared effort. The therapist will work with the client to test methods and adapt the approach as goals become clearer. Conversations include checking what helps, what feels difficult, and collaboratively adjusting focus to match the person’s needs and preferences.

If you are considering online work, please confirm the available session formats before booking. Confirming formats helps fit therapy into everyday life, for example by making it simpler to schedule sessions around work or caregiving. Online sessions can make it easier to have shorter check-ins, reduce travel time and let people engage from locations that reduce disruption to daily routines. Registered or accredited professionals can discuss how to shape sessions so they work in practice for the client.