Rate Deborah Thorley

Hello, I'm Deborah, a qualified and BACP-credentialed counsellor based in the UK, with over 18 years of experience.

Over the years, I've supported people through many different challenges, including anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, PTSD, sexual abuse, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties and life changes.

I understand that life isn't always straightforward. Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure why we're feeling the way we do. You might be struggling with something from your past, worrying about the future, or simply feeling that things aren't quite right. Whatever brings you to counselling, you deserve to feel heard, understood and supported.

My approach is person-centred and trauma-informed, which simply means that I see you as an individual, not a diagnosis or a set of problems. I believe you know yourself better than anyone, even if it doesn't always feel that way.

I also draw on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and other therapeutic approaches, offering practical tools and strategies when they might be helpful. Sometimes counselling is about making sense of difficult experiences, sometimes it's about finding ways to manage everyday challenges, and sometimes it's simply about having a safe space to talk.

I work at your pace, without judgement or pressure. You don't need to know exactly what to say or where to begin, and you certainly don't need to have everything figured out before reaching out.

I believe that even small changes can make a real difference, and that counselling can help you develop a better understanding of yourself, build confidence and find a way forward that feels right for you.

Taking the first step can feel difficult, but you don't have to work everything out on your own. I'd be happy to support you along the way.