Esther Pinder, BACP

Esther Pinder is a counsellor with eight years' experience working in private practice in the United Kingdom. She holds a BACP credential and a first class honours degree in Psychosocial Studies from Goldsmiths, University of London. Esther offers weekly 50 minute video sessions and supports clients through written messages between sessions at set times.

Esther sees anxiety, depression, low self-worth and identity concerns as common issues that can feel isolating. She helps people reconnect with different parts of themselves to rediscover strengths that may have been lost over time. Esther avoids telling people what to do and instead treats each person as the expert on their own life.

Her practical style aims to break cycles of overthinking through simple, hands-on techniques. These include using metaphors and images to describe feelings, introducing helpful models to make sense of experience, and practising breathing and sensory strategies to ease anxiety.

Esther also explores life context and background gently, recognising how past events can create unhelpful patterns. Over sessions people often notice those patterns shifting as they develop understanding and acceptance of themselves.

Sessions are scheduled in advance and take place online. Clients may choose to share written reflections between sessions; Esther reads messages and replies at set times, so this is not for immediate crisis support.

How therapeutic methods translate to online work

Esther uses evidence-based techniques that are easy to adapt to online sessions. She often uses simple grounding and breathing exercises to reduce anxiety, showing and guiding the practice during a video call or over the phone. These exercises help with panic, stress and moments of overwhelm.

She also employs descriptive and metaphorical work to help people name and make sense of difficult feelings. Using images and everyday language makes experiences easier to talk about even when meeting over video or chat. Lastly, Esther introduces practical models or short strategies to try between sessions, supporting gradual changes in thought and behaviour.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Esther collaborates with each person to choose techniques that fit their goals and preferences. She reviews what helps and adjusts the plan as therapy progresses so the method stays relevant to the client's needs.

Online formats offer flexibility for different situations. Video calls allow shared visual cues and guided exercises. Phone sessions can be used when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Live chat and text-based messaging suit short check-ins, written reflections or preparing for a session. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, family life and other commitments.