Paula Appleton, BACP, NCPS
Integrative counsellor for stress and trauma
- Stress and anxiety
- Relationships and family
- Deaf and hard-of-hearing
About Paula Appleton
Paula Appleton is a qualified counsellor in the United Kingdom with 14 years of clinical experience supporting people through stressful life transitions, relationship difficulties, trauma and a wide range of mental health concerns. She uses an integrative approach, combining therapies and tailoring interventions to each person in line with the BACP Ethical Framework. Paula holds credentials from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and NCPS, a recognised professional counselling accreditation.
Her practice covers many presenting issues including anxiety, addiction, depression, bereavement, sexual abuse and PTSD, as well as affairs and betrayal, illness-related distress, phobias and tinnitus. She also works with couples and families, and supports clients facing challenges such as eating and sleeping difficulties, parenting and career concerns, bipolar disorder, ADHD and compassion fatigue. Additional focuses include adoption and foster care, attachment and intimacy-related issues, body image and codependency.
Paula is experienced in working with Deaf and hard-of-hearing people and is sensitive to communication needs, with training in SSE and BSL to NVQ Level 6. She frames counselling as a dedicated space to reflect, explore emotional responses and develop coping strategies that support psychological and physical wellbeing.
Her practice covers many presenting issues including anxiety, addiction, depression, bereavement, sexual abuse and PTSD, as well as affairs and betrayal, illness-related distress, phobias and tinnitus. She also works with couples and families, and supports clients facing challenges such as eating and sleeping difficulties, parenting and career concerns, bipolar disorder, ADHD and compassion fatigue. Additional focuses include adoption and foster care, attachment and intimacy-related issues, body image and codependency.
Paula is experienced in working with Deaf and hard-of-hearing people and is sensitive to communication needs, with training in SSE and BSL to NVQ Level 6. She frames counselling as a dedicated space to reflect, explore emotional responses and develop coping strategies that support psychological and physical wellbeing.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
AddictionsLGBTGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHearing impairedHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTraumatic brain injuryTrichotillomaniaVisually impairedWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Existential Therapy Gottman Method Jungian Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Somatic Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems Systemic Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Paula Appleton have?
Paula Appleton has 14 years of professional experience.
Is Paula Appleton a registered therapist?
Yes. She holds credentials from BACP and NCPS.
In which languages does Paula Appleton provide therapy?
Paula Appleton provides therapy in English and American Sign Language.
Where is Paula Appleton located?
Paula Appleton is located in the United Kingdom.
How can I work with Paula Appleton as my therapist?
You can work with Paula Appleton through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Paula Appleton work with international clients?
Yes, Paula Appleton works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Paula Appleton cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be cancelled at any time, for any reason. For current details, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Just click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Approaches that inform online therapy and practical support
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, and then choose actions that align with their values - it can be useful for anxiety, depression and life transitions. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on patterns formed in early relationships and how these affect current connections, making it helpful for relationship and intimacy issues and difficulties rooted in abandonment or adoption histories. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) works by identifying unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns and learning practical skills to change them, which is effective for anxiety, phobias, depression and many everyday coping challenges.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Paula works collaboratively with each person to explore which methods fit their needs, goals and preferences, and adapts strategies as therapy unfolds. This shared decision making helps shape a personalised plan that feels manageable and relevant.
Online therapy offers flexibility in how sessions take place - video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging allow people to access registered professionals from wherever they are. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, caregiving and mobility needs while maintaining continuity of care and regular contact with a therapist.