Claire Bottomley, BACP

Claire Bottomley offers compassionate, practical therapy for people feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, low mood, difficult life events or repeating negative patterns. She works with both adults and young people, guiding clients through issues such as panic, grief, relationship difficulties, sexual abuse and the processing of traumatic experience. Claire combines a deep, collaborative style with evidence-informed techniques to help clients understand how past experiences influence their present reactions and to explore new ways of coping and moving forward.

She trained to a high standard, holding a First Class Honours degree in Therapeutic Counselling and a Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy. Claire is an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and is a certified Rewind Trauma Therapist with IARTT - qualifications that reflect formal training and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Claire takes an integrative, person-centred approach that places the therapeutic relationship at the centre of change. She draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and psychodynamic ideas alongside solution-focused techniques and Rewind Trauma work when appropriate, tailoring each session to the individual’s needs and goals. Whether the focus is on parenting, addiction, identity and intimacy concerns, coping with life changes, or building self-esteem, Claire aims to create a respectful, non-judgmental space where practical steps toward wellbeing can be explored.

Therapeutic Approaches and How They Work Online

Claire commonly blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and a client-centred approach in online work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns and developing practical strategies to change them - it is often used for anxiety, low mood, sleep difficulties and stress. Client-Centred Therapy emphasises a warm, empathic relationship and helps people explore their own goals and values at their own pace, which can be useful for relationship issues, self-esteem and life transitions. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) supports people to accept difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to actions that align with personal values - it can help with anxiety, avoidance and coping with change.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Claire works collaboratively with each person to identify which methods suit their needs, goals and preferences, adapting techniques over time as progress is made. Registered professionals and therapists often combine elements from different models to tailor a plan that feels right for the client.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging to fit varied schedules and locations. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, balance therapy with daily commitments and access support even when in-person appointments are difficult.