Sharmaine O'Keefe, BACP

Sharmaine O'Keefe is a masters-level qualified counsellor and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), the UK professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists. She offers integrative, person-focused therapy that draws on a range of evidence-informed models to address issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family difficulties, parenting challenges, trauma and abuse, grief, eating and body image concerns, and workplace or career problems.

With four years of clinical experience across private practice, senior school settings, and charitable organisations, Sharmaine combines practical therapeutic skills with a rounded professional background. Before qualifying as a therapist she worked as a lawyer, teacher, and lecturer, experience that contributes to clear communication, structured support, and sensitivity to diverse learning and communication needs. Living and working in several countries has helped her develop awareness of multicultural concerns and the particular needs of clients from varied cultural and social backgrounds.

Her approach is integrative and holistic - most often blending Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness techniques - and tailored to the unique goals of each client. Sharmaine aims to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where thoughts and feelings can be explored openly. She supports clients with empathy and practical tools to build resilience, clarify values, and work toward meaningful change.

Personalised therapeutic approaches for online support

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients notice unhelpful thoughts and feelings without being dominated by them, and to identify personal values that guide meaningful action. It can be useful for people facing anxiety, stress, life transitions, and difficulties making decisions.

Client-Centered Therapy emphasises empathy, genuine listening, and a nonjudgmental stance that lets the client set the pace and focus of work. This approach supports self-esteem, grief processing, relationship concerns, and exploration of identity.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on the links between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours and uses practical strategies to shift patterns that maintain distress. It is commonly used for anxiety, depression, panic, phobias, and repetitive unhelpful thinking.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process, and Sharmaine will work collaboratively with clients to determine which methods best suit their needs, goals, and preferences. She adapts techniques over time so that therapy remains practical and personally relevant.

Sharmaine offers online sessions by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different schedules and life circumstances. These options make it easier for clients to access consistent support from registered professionals while balancing work, family, study, or mobility considerations.