Heather Petcher, BACP

Heather Petcher is a counsellor with nine years of experience helping people through difficult times. She holds BACP registration, which she uses to guide a person-focused way of working. Heather aims to create a calm space where people can talk openly about what is worrying them. She offers straightforward support for those feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or low in mood.

Heather draws on client-centred and psychodynamic ideas to understand what sits behind present difficulties. She listens for patterns formed by past experiences and helps people see how these affect current feelings and relationships. She also uses brief, goal-focused ideas to help set small, practical steps when that is helpful.

Sessions begin with a chance to say what matters most and set clear goals together. Heather uses simple language and gentle questions so people can make sense of their emotions. She encourages self-compassion and practical changes to improve day-to-day coping.

Common concerns she supports include stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and relationship and intimacy-related issues. Heather also works with addictions, bipolar mood concerns, career strain, and compassion fatigue, among other areas listed in her profile.

Appointments are offered through video calls, phone, live chat, or text messaging to suit different needs. New people start by completing a short matching questionnaire and scheduling sessions once they have chosen the Start Therapy option. Fees vary by location and are billed through a cancellable subscription.

How Heather's approaches work in online therapy

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and building understanding. The counsellor reflects what is said, helps people name their feelings, and supports them to trust their own decisions. It is often used for low mood, self-esteem issues and times when someone needs acceptance and clarity.

Psychodynamic Therapy looks at patterns that began in earlier relationships and how they show up now. It helps people see repeated reactions and how these affect current mood and relationships, which can be useful for long-standing anxiety, attachment concerns and grief.

Finding the right approach is a joint process. Heather will discuss goals and preferences and try different ways of working to see what helps most. Clients are invited to shape sessions so therapy fits their needs rather than following a fixed formula.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility. Video calls enable face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is low or when a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat and text messaging suit people who prefer written reflection or want flexibility in timing. These formats make it simpler to fit therapy around work, caregiving or mobility limits while still allowing regular clinical support.