Margaret Brannigan , BACP

Margaret Brannigan is a qualified counsellor and mediator with BACP accreditation, bringing over 11 years of experience supporting people across the lifespan. Her practice has included working with individuals from about 11 to 78 years old, guiding them through practical problem solving and emotional recovery so they can move toward their goals and reach their full potential.

She has experience addressing a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma and abuse, bereavement after family suicide or death, relationship and parenting challenges, OCD, ADHD, low self-esteem, and both sexual and emotional abuse. Her work also spans stress, addictions, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating and sleeping difficulties, bipolar disorder, and many other life changes and caregiving stresses included in her practice focus.

Trained in client-centered practice, Margaret views each person as the expert in their own world and acts as a facilitator to help unlock strengths and options. She creates a warm, respectful, and sensitive space where people can explore their concerns and take practical steps forward. Margaret aims to walk alongside clients, supporting them as they identify priorities, build coping strategies, and make meaningful changes in their lives.

Approaches that translate to effective online care

Margaret draws on client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness therapy in her work. Client-centered therapy focuses on listening, empathy, and respect, allowing clients to lead the pace and focus of sessions while the therapist facilitates insight and self-directed change; this approach supports self-esteem, relationship concerns, and personal growth. CBT helps people identify and adjust unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, offering practical strategies for anxiety, depression, OCD, and many day-to-day challenges. Mindfulness therapy teaches present-moment awareness and gentle acceptance, skills that can reduce reactivity to stress and support coping with grief, chronic difficulties, and emotional regulation.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Margaret works collaboratively with clients to choose and adapt methods to match their needs, goals, and preferences. She helps clients explore what feels most helpful and adjusts the plan as progress unfolds.

Online sessions by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging make therapy more accessible and flexible for people with busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, mobility limits, or those living at a distance. These options allow registered professionals to provide consistent, tailored care while fitting into a client’s everyday life.