Laurel Deegan, BACP

Laurel Deegan is a counsellor who helps people facing anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, relationship worries and questions about identity. She is a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, and she draws on her five years of practice to support people through depression, LGBT concerns and other emotional challenges.

Laurel works in a person-centred way. That means the conversation starts with what matters to the client, not a fixed programme. She brings together practical tools and reflective discussion so people can notice what helps them most.

In sessions she focuses on building awareness of past patterns and current relationships. This can include looking at attachment, communication habits, or feelings that hold someone back. The aim is to help people recognise parts of themselves and make choices that feel more aligned with their values.

Her approach combines straightforward, skills-based work with space for personal reflection. Techniques can include mindfulness, cognitive strategies and acceptance-oriented exercises adjusted to the individual. Laurel encourages small, manageable steps so progress feels realistic.

She also offers support around more specific concerns such as obsessive thoughts, seasonal low mood, self-harm thoughts, and issues linked to gender or sexuality. Sessions are collaborative and paced to the person's needs, helping them find clearer direction and greater self‑acceptance over time.

How these approaches translate to online therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) invites people to notice their thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, and to take small actions that match their values. It can help with anxiety, low mood and problems that feel stuck. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on spotting unhelpful thoughts and testing them with practical experiments to reduce distress and improve day-to-day coping. Mindfulness-based work helps people develop present-moment awareness and calm, useful for stress and overwhelm.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the process. The therapist will talk with the client about goals and preferences and gently try different techniques to see what fits. This is a collaborative process where adjustments are made as progress and needs become clearer.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when visual connection matters, while phone sessions work well when bandwidth is limited. Live chat or text-based messaging can suit quick check-ins, shorter sessions or people who prefer typing. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, study and family commitments while keeping the focus on making steady, meaningful change.