Debra Laking, BACP

Debra Laking is a counsellor who uses a blend of practical, person-focused approaches. She draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and client-centred work to help people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, grief and low self-esteem.

She keeps sessions straightforward and goal-oriented. People can expect clear conversation about what feels hard and small, achievable steps to try between meetings. Debra aims to help people build useful habits and clearer thinking rather than relying on jargon or lengthy explanations.

Debra has four years of experience supporting people through life changes and loss. Her practice also covers issues linked to ageing and geriatric concerns, attachment and autism, cancer and hospice care, and caregiver stress. She helps people address communication and commitment problems, isolation and feelings of guilt or shame.

Her approach adapts to the person in front of her. Sometimes she focuses on thoughts and behaviour; other times she works on values and acceptance, or on improving everyday communication. Sessions are collaborative and paced to what each person can manage.

Debra works with people in the United Kingdom and offers sessions in English. She combines evidence-based techniques with a calm, empathic style to support practical change and stronger coping during difficult periods.

Online approaches that suit everyday life

Debra often uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alongside client-centred work. ACT helps people notice difficult thoughts and still take steps that matter to them, which supports coping with anxiety, grief and life transitions. CBT focuses on the link between thoughts, feelings and behaviours and offers practical exercises to reduce stress and change unhelpful patterns. Client-centred therapy provides a supportive, non-judgemental space where the person's priorities guide the work.

Choosing the right approach is a shared process. Debra will talk with each person about goals and what has helped or not helped before, then suggest approaches to try. That plan can be adjusted as work progresses so it matches the person's pace and preferences.

Online therapy makes sessions more flexible. Video calls are useful when visual cues help the conversation, while phone sessions can be easier if less bandwidth is available. Live chat and text-based messaging support short check-ins or ongoing reflection between meetings. These options let people fit therapy around work, care duties and daily life while still working with experienced registered or accredited professionals and therapists.