Gillian Cooper, BACP

Gillian Cooper offers clear, practical support for adults who are feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, relationship strain or life changes. She speaks plainly about everyday problems like sleep and eating changes, low self-esteem, grief and parenting challenges. Gillian aims to help people notice their thinking patterns and daily habits, and find manageable steps to feel steadier day to day.

She uses short-term counselling techniques when clients need immediate tools to cope. She also works more deeply when people want to look at how past experiences shape current reactions. Sessions focus on building insight, improving coping skills and creating a realistic plan for change.

Gillian has nine years' professional experience in a range of settings, including bereavement services in NHS hospitals, work with a trauma organisation for women and young people, Mind UK, and private care. She has supported neuro-divergent adults and young people, people in crisis, and those affected by abuse.

She has also taught counselling up to Level 4, helping learners develop confidence, resilience and clearer career goals. Her background means she can combine counselling and therapeutic methods to suit different needs.

Gillian is registered with the BACP - the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - and practises in the United Kingdom. She can bring Christian values into sessions when clients request this, and she welcomes people from all backgrounds.

To begin, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability.

How her approaches translate to online work

Attachment-Based Therapy emphasises relationships and patterns that began in earlier life and shows how they affect current connections. It can help people who notice repeating relationship struggles or difficulties trusting others.

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on the person's own perspective and aims to create a supportive space where they can find their own solutions. This approach suits people who want a collaborative, non-directive way to understand their feelings and choices.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts and habits influence mood and behaviour, and teaches practical strategies to change unhelpful patterns. It is often used for anxiety, low mood, sleep and daily routine problems.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences and what has or hasn’t helped before, and will adapt methods so they fit the client's needs. This is a collaborative process where adjustments are made as therapy progresses.

If you are considering online sessions, please confirm the available session formats before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Some approaches lend themselves to practical exercises and homework that suit remote sessions, while others may focus on longer conversations to explore background and patterns.