CB Portrait of Claire Bottomley

Claire Bottomley, BACP

Calm, practical counselling for anxiety and life stressors

5 years in practice · based in United Kingdom · sessions in English · online sessions

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About Claire

Claire Bottomley offers a calm, practical space for people wrestling with anxiety, stress or difficult life events. She writes plainly and listens closely, helping clients name their struggles and find steps to feel steadier. Claire works with adults who want to break negative cycles and build clearer ways of coping.

She trained in therapeutic counselling and holds a First Class Honours degree in Therapeutic Counselling. Claire is an Accredited member of the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists, and she also completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy.

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Background and approach

These qualifications shape how she blends different methods in sessions. Claire uses a person-centred starting point so clients feel heard and respected. From there she might draw on cognitive behavioural methods to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, or use psychodynamic ideas to look at how past experiences affect present feelings.

She also applies approaches that focus on acceptance and values when people are stuck in worry or avoidance. Her work covers a wide range of concerns including anxiety, stress, trauma, relationship difficulties, grief, parenting strain, sleep problems and struggles with self-esteem. Claire aims to help people spot patterns, try manageable changes and build tools that fit their daily life.

Sessions are collaborative and paced to each person. Claire prefers to work together to set clear goals and review progress, so therapy stays relevant and practical.

How Claire uses established approaches online

Claire commonly draws on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help people spot and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours, which can ease anxiety and improve sleep. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is used to clarify values and teach ways to live alongside difficult thoughts rather than being controlled by them. Client-Centred Therapy forms the base of her work, ensuring sessions focus on the person's experience and priorities.

Choosing an approach happens together. Claire will discuss different methods and agree what to try based on the client's goals and preferences. Therapy is an evolving process and she checks in so the approach stays useful and relevant.

Online sessions offer practical flexibility. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when a fuller interaction helps, phone sessions work well when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed, and live chat or text-based messaging suit people who prefer typing or want brief, ongoing contact. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, family and daily life while keeping the focus on progress and useful skills.
Book with Claire Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Questions people ask

What kinds of problems does Claire help with?
She works with issues such as anxiety, stress, trauma and relationship difficulties, plus concerns like sleep problems, low self-esteem and grief.
How would you describe the therapeutic style?
The approach is person-centred and collaborative, mixing practical techniques with deeper exploration of past experience when helpful.
What is her professional background?
Claire has five years' experience and holds a First Class Honours degree in Therapeutic Counselling along with a Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy.
What credentials and country base does she have?
She is an Accredited member of the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and practises from the United Kingdom.
Can I work with her if I live outside the UK?
Yes, international clients are accepted and sessions can be arranged across borders.
Which session formats are available?
Sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging to suit different needs.
How are sessions priced?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
What do I need to do to begin?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

What this therapist works with

Most often

Experience
5 years
Licensed
Languages
English

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