- Humanistic approach
- Practical coping tools
- Relationship support
About Debra
Debra Laking is a counsellor who blends humanistic listening with practical tools. She explains things simply and helps people make sense of worry, stress and life changes. People find her calm manner useful when they are coping with loss, low self-esteem or rocky relationships.
She uses a mix of approaches that suit each person rather than one fixed method. Sessions focus on what matters to the individual and on small steps they can use between meetings. That might include noticing unhelpful thinking, trying new ways of responding, or practising present-moment skills.
Debra holds BACP status, which she uses as a framework for ethical practice in the United Kingdom. She draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, client-centred listening, mindfulness and elements of the Gottman Method when relationship work is needed. Her way of working is warm and non-judgemental.
Her background includes several years helping people through grief, anxiety and major life transitions. Debra focuses on practical coping strategies alongside gentle exploration of feelings. She encourages clients to discover what matters to them and to build small, sustainable changes.
Sessions aim to be collaborative and paced to each person’s needs. People can expect clear, plain-language guidance and tools to try between sessions. The emphasis is on making progress that fits daily life rather than on complex theory.
Approaches that translate well to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying what matters to a person and taking small committed actions towards those values. It helps with anxiety, low mood and getting unstuck by shifting attention from avoidance to meaningful behaviour.Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and actions and teaches practical techniques to test unhelpful thinking and change reactive patterns. It is helpful for managing panic, worry and persistent stress.
Mindfulness-based ways of working encourage simple present-moment practices to reduce reactivity and increase noticing of thoughts and bodily signals. These practices can be short and easy to use between sessions to calm racing thoughts.
Finding the right approach is part of the process and the counsellor will work collaboratively to identify what fits best. They will discuss your goals and preferences and adapt methods as needed rather than imposing a single technique.
The biography does not specify which online formats are offered, so please confirm current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, allow shorter check-ins when needed and reduce travel time. It also makes it simpler for international clients to connect, while keeping the focus on practical strategies that transfer into daily routines.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
4+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of difficulties can be discussed?
Topics include stress, anxiety, relationship strain, grief, low self-esteem and coping with life changes. Additional focus areas noted include ageing, attachment, autism spectrum issues, cancer-related concerns and caregiver stress.
How would therapy usually feel in sessions?
Her style combines client-centred listening with practical steps from approaches like CBT and ACT. Sessions are described as calm and non-judgemental, with time for both talking and trying small exercises.
What experience does the counsellor have?
She lists four years of post-qualification experience working with stress, anxiety, grief and relationship concerns. That background includes helping people through life transitions and bereavement.
Where is the counsellor based and what are their credentials?
The counsellor practises in the United Kingdom and holds BACP as the supplied credential. No other registration details are given.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are accepted according to the supplied information.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options with the service before booking.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time. Exact fees are not provided in the biography.
How do I begin working with this counsellor?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to the therapist's availability.