Aminata Sonko, BACP

Aminata Sonko is a BACP counsellor who helps people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and relationship difficulties. She presents a calm, down-to-earth approach that aims to make the first steps less daunting. Aminata writes in plain language and prioritises a respectful, non-judgemental atmosphere.

She combines a person-centred stance with practical, solution-focused techniques to help people make small changes that add up. Sessions are shaped around each person's needs, with attention to self-esteem, confidence and rebuilding after loss or abuse. Aminata also addresses issues such as panic attacks, mood disorders and social anxiety.

Over four years practising in the United Kingdom, Aminata has worked with people facing attachment concerns, body image struggles and caregiver stress. She supports those coping with divorce or separation, control issues, guilt and shame, and feelings of isolation. Her work includes helping people find clarity about life purpose and rebuild a sense of self-love.

In session she encourages clients to name priorities and try simple steps between meetings. Communication problems and forgiveness work are approached through guided conversation and practical tasks. For trauma-related difficulties she offers steady, paced support that focuses on safety and tolerable progression.

Aminata offers sessions in English and accepts international clients. She invites people to take the initial step when they feel ready and will work collaboratively to identify what is most helpful.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Aminata uses person-centred counselling, which focuses on listening and understanding each person's experience. This approach helps people feel heard and builds the foundation for exploring what they want to change. It is useful for relationship difficulties, low self-esteem and navigating life transitions.

She also uses solution-focused techniques that break problems into manageable steps. These methods look for small, practical changes to try between sessions and suit issues like stress, anxiety and communication problems. For trauma and post-traumatic stress the work is paced and gradual, aiming to stabilise reactions before moving into deeper processing.

Finding the right approach is a shared task. Aminata will work with the client to decide which methods suit their needs, goals and preferences. That collaborative process may shift over time as priorities change and small goals are tested.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging, which make it easier to attend from different locations and schedules. Phone sessions can be simpler when bandwidth is low, while text messaging and live chat allow brief check-ins or ongoing reflection between meetings. Video allows face-to-face conversation when visual cues are helpful. These options give flexibility so therapy can fit around work, travel or other commitments.