Anxiety Insights
PO Portrait of Paula Otley

Paula Otley, BACP, NCPS

Calm practical support for anxiety and life changes

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

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About Paula

Paula Otley is a counsellor with 16 years of experience who helps people cope with stress, anxiety and major life changes. She offers calm, steady support for issues such as grief, depression, relationship strain and self‑esteem. Paula meets people where they are and works alongside them to make sense of difficult feelings and choices.

Paula began supporting people through bereavement as a volunteer, and that work shaped her direction into counselling.

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Background and approach

She trained as an integrative counsellor with a focus on client‑centred and psychodynamic approaches. She later added cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT, to broaden practical tools she can offer. Her background includes work in GP practices, the NHS, charities, community counselling services, independent practice and employee assistance programmes.

That variety means she has experience helping people in many different situations and life stages. Paula is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP, and with NCPS. Sessions are carried out in English and Paula accepts international clients.

Conversations are collaborative: she listens, reflects, and helps clients spot patterns and try manageable changes. Expect a straightforward, human approach rather than jargon or pressure. People often come for help with anxiety, coping after loss, addictions, parenting strain, eating or sleeping problems, and career stress.

Paula adapts her methods to each person, combining talking, practical exercises and space to reflect. The work is done together, step by step.

Therapeutic approaches and online sessions that fit your life

Paula uses client‑centred work which focuses on the person in front of her. That means the conversation is guided by what matters to the client, with the counsellor offering empathy and reflection to help people feel heard and clearer about next steps.

She also draws on cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT, to help spot unhelpful thoughts and try practical changes. CBT is useful for problems like anxiety, sleeping difficulties and low mood because it breaks down what people think, feel and do into manageable steps.

Finding the right approach is part of the process and Paula treats it as a joint task. She will talk with each client about their goals and preferences, and adjust methods over time so the work feels relevant and doable.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat or text messaging to fit busy lives. Video calls let people talk face to face; phone sessions need less bandwidth and can be easier to fit into a work break. Live chat or messaging can be useful for shorter check‑ins or for people who prefer writing. These options give flexibility while keeping the focus on practical progress and steady support.
Book with Paula Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Questions people ask

What kinds of problems can Paula help with?
She supports people with stress, anxiety and coping with life changes. Other areas include grief, depression, addictions, relationship and self‑esteem concerns.
What is Paula's counselling style like?
Her style is warm and collaborative with a focus on listening first. She combines reflective conversation with practical steps when helpful.
How long has she been practising?
Paula has 16 years of experience, starting with bereavement support volunteering and moving into paid roles across health and community settings.
What credentials does Paula hold and where is she based?
She is registered with BACP and NCPS and practises from the United Kingdom.
Can I have sessions in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats does she use?
Paula works via video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text messaging to suit different needs and schedules.
How are sessions charged?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I start working with Paula?
Choose the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

What this therapist works with

Most often

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Therapeutic approaches

Experience
16 years
Licensed
Languages
English

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