Gemma Gatward, BACP

Gemma Gatward offers straightforward, compassionate support for people facing relationship strain, parenting pressures and difficult life changes. She is named first so visitors know who they are reading about. Gemma aims to make first steps feel manageable and clear, with practical conversation and a steady presence.

She uses a client-centred approach, which means sessions are shaped around the person in front of her. Clients guide the agenda and Gemma listens to understand what matters most. Together they set goals and decide what feels most helpful to try next.

Gemma has nine years of experience working in the United Kingdom. Over that time she has supported people dealing with depression, anxiety, grief and bipolar challenges. She has particular experience with trauma and childhood abuse, and with intimacy-related concerns and issues around attachment and abandonment.

Her work also covers communication problems, life purpose questions, pregnancy and childbirth related distress, and sexual assault and abuse. She helps parents who are feeling overwhelmed and young adults facing transitional life stages. Sessions focus on what the client needs in the moment and practical ways to cope.

Gemma is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP. She offers sessions by video, phone, live chat or text messaging. To begin, people are asked to complete a short matching questionnaire and then arrange sessions that suit their schedule.

How client-centred therapy works online

Client-centred therapy focuses on the person's own experience and priorities. In this approach the counsellor listens closely, reflects what they hear and helps the client explore choices. It is often used for relationship difficulties, self-esteem concerns, grief and managing the aftermath of abuse.

Gemma applies the client-centred way of working when offering online sessions. She will collaborate with each person to decide what methods suit their goals and pace. Finding the right approach is part of the therapy process and will be reviewed together as needs change.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions can be simpler when bandwidth is limited, or for shorter check-ins. Live chat and text messaging are useful for people who prefer typing and for flexible, ongoing contact between longer sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, caregiving or other commitments and give a range of ways to connect with a registered or accredited professional.