Chris Orton, BACP

Chris Orton works with people who find parts of their lives difficult or overwhelming, supporting them as they explore the thoughts, feelings and behaviours that cause distress. He believes that facing these issues takes courage and that self-exploration can reveal why certain patterns exist, enabling people to develop healthier ways of living and lasting change.

Central to his practice is a belief in the client’s ability to grow through an effective therapeutic relationship. He places trust in the work that emerges from that relationship, and in the increased self-understanding that helps clients move toward greater self-acceptance and more personally fulfilling choices.

He is committed to being fully present and to empathically walking alongside people in their distress while encouraging a holistic exploration of emotions, thoughts and experiences in a supportive yet appropriately challenging environment. He recognises that distress often arises from both internal and external sources, including wider societal pressures, and he works with clients to adapt how they relate to those influences when change at the root is not possible.

Chris aims to build a therapeutic alliance based on mutual trust and respect, offering a non-judgemental space where individuality and diversity are honoured. He listens attentively to understand each person’s lived experience, helps explore feelings and meanings more deeply, and lets the client set the pace and depth of the work. He is registered in the UK with the BACP, the professional association for counsellors and psychotherapists, and trained at postgraduate level in counselling and psychotherapy. Before practising privately he worked in a university counselling service and has a research interest in cross-cultural therapy.