Stephen Mclaughlin, BACP

Stephen Mclaughlin is a BACP-registered counsellor who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and relationship difficulties. He works with issues affecting sexuality and LGBT concerns, and with people struggling with anger, overwhelm or low mood. Sessions are straightforward and aimed at helping someone feel more able to cope day to day.

Stephen uses a narrative approach to look at the stories people tell themselves. He helps clients untangle patterns that keep them stuck and notices how early attachments and abandonment fears can shape current reactions. This makes it easier to spot what to change and where to begin.

He also draws on Transactional Analysis ideas to map how people relate to others and to themselves. That can be helpful when impulsivity, control issues or social anxiety get in the way of relationships. The practical focus is on clear observations and simple steps a person can try between sessions.

Stephen has five years in private practice and also trained in person-centred counselling skills. He aims to create a compassionate space without judgement so people can test out new ways of thinking and behaving. Work often covers self-harm, panic and post-traumatic stress alongside mood disorders.

Sessions can explore family problems, attachment, men’s issues, sexuality and identity. Stephen tries to keep language plain and the pace steady. He helps people make sense of their feelings and take small, realistic steps towards change.

How therapeutic approaches work online

Stephen often uses narrative methods that look at the stories people tell about themselves. This approach helps identify recurring themes such as shame, guilt or patterns from early relationships and shows practical ways to reframe those stories for better outcomes.

He also works with Transactional Analysis ideas to map how people interact and where communication breaks down. Using this approach online, a person can recognise unhelpful roles and try different responses in everyday life, which can ease social anxiety and relationship strain.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with a client about goals and preferences during early sessions and adapt methods as work progresses. This helps make sure the focus matches what the person wants to change.

Online therapy offers flexibility for busy lives. Video calls approximate an in-person conversation and work well for deeper emotional work. Phone sessions need less bandwidth and can be easier for a quick check-in. Live chat or text messaging suits short updates, journalling between sessions or people who prefer typing over talking. These options let people fit therapy around work, travel or family commitments while keeping continuity of care with registered or accredited professionals.