JA Portrait of Jill Atkinson

Jill Atkinson, BACP

Practical counselling for stress and anxiety

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

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About Jill

Jill Atkinson is a counsellor with a background in psychology and three years of clinical experience. She trained in Scotland and holds the BACP credential, and she combines practical therapy with a calm, down-to-earth approach. Jill often helps people who are struggling with stress and anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship concerns and life changes.

Her early work included teaching abroad and therapeutic roles within NHS and mental health organisations. Those experiences shaped her interest in how culture and community affect the way people find meaning.

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Background and approach

She completed a SCOTACS Diploma in Counselling and Group Work - a Cognitive Behavioural Approach and practises as a qualified counsellor. Jill runs group sessions on self-compassion, low self-esteem and managing anxiety alongside one-to-one counselling.

She has completed additional professional development in Compassion-Focused Therapy, Transactional Analysis, somatic approaches, mood and food, and outdoor therapy, and draws from these when it helps a client. In sessions she encourages people to notice connections between body, mind and surroundings. That might mean simple grounding exercises, noticing unhelpful patterns of thought, or trying new ways to communicate.

Her style is collaborative and practical, with a focus on small changes that build confidence and self-trust. Jill believes counselling helps people understand buried beliefs and emotional reactions so they can make clearer choices. She describes therapy as an investment in living more purposefully and with greater self-compassion.

The emphasis is on steady progress and practical tools clients can use outside sessions.

Therapeutic approaches and how they work online

Jill draws on cognitive behavioural ideas to help people spot unhelpful thought patterns and try different responses. This approach often focuses on practical steps and short exercises that reduce anxiety and improve mood. She also uses elements of Compassion-Focused Therapy to build kindness towards oneself and reduce self-criticism, which can help with shame, low self-esteem and social anxiety.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Jill treats therapy as collaborative and will discuss options with each person to find the best fit for their goals and preferences. That may mean blending techniques from different approaches and adjusting as things change.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging. Video calls allow face-to-face conversations and shared exercises, phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth or camera use is an issue, and text or chat formats suit shorter check-ins or flexible scheduling. These options help people fit counselling around work, family and travel commitments while still working towards clear, practical goals.
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Questions people ask

What concerns does Jill commonly support?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem and relationship concerns. Jill also supports people facing life changes and issues such as social anxiety, guilt and shame.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Jill uses a practical, collaborative style drawing on cognitive behavioural ideas and compassion-focused methods. She focuses on noticing patterns, learning small skills, and building self-compassion.
How much experience does she have?
Jill has three years of counselling experience including work in NHS and mental health settings. She also delivers group therapy on self-compassion, low self-esteem and anxiety management.
What credentials and location are listed?
She holds the BACP credential and practises from the United Kingdom. Her training includes a SCOTACS Diploma in Counselling and Group Work - a Cognitive Behavioural Approach.
Which languages and international options are available?
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients for online work.
What session formats does she offer online?
Jill provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.
How are sessions charged?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription model. The subscription can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.

What this therapist works with

Most often

Experience
3 years
Licensed
Languages
English

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