- Integrative approach
- Bereavement experience
- Practical techniques
About Paula
Paula Otley is a counsellor with 16 years of experience who helps people facing loss, low mood, anxiety and life changes. She meets each person where they are and focuses on building a trusting working relationship. Paula uses straightforward talk and practical techniques so people feel understood and get things they can use between sessions.
Her path began in bereavement support, where she sat alongside people in very difficult moments. That work led her to train as an integrative counsellor, with a strong person-centred and psychodynamic emphasis. She later added cognitive behavioural therapy to give clients more tools for managing thoughts and routines.
Paula has worked across many settings including GP practices, the NHS, charities, community counselling services, private practice and employee assistance programmes. Those roles gave her experience with a wide range of life challenges and ways of working with different needs.
Sessions focus on what matters to each person in simple terms. Paula helps people talk through grief, relationships, stress, addictions, identity concerns and changes in life stage. She also supports people with body image, attachment worries, caregiver strain and issues linked to adoption and foster care.
Paula is MBACP accredited, and also holds NCPS. She works in the United Kingdom and conducts work in English. To start, she asks people to complete a short matching questionnaire so they can schedule sessions that suit them.
How Paula's approaches translate to online therapy
Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on relationships and how early bonds shape current patterns. Online sessions using this perspective help people notice how they connect, react and seek support, which can be useful for relationship worries and attachment concerns.Client-Centred Therapy places the person at the heart of the work, using empathetic listening and reflection. In remote sessions this means having space to tell your story and feel heard while deciding the pace and focus together.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) combines talking with practical experiments and small behaviour changes. It is often used for anxiety, low mood and sleep or eating issues and translates well to online work where worksheets and short tasks can be shared and reviewed.
Finding the right approach is part of the process. Paula works collaboratively to identify what fits a person's needs and goals. She will discuss different ways of working and adapt methods as the relationship develops so the focus stays relevant to the client's priorities.
Practical benefits of online therapy include fitting sessions into a busy day and cutting travel time, which can make regular work easier to sustain. If you need a shorter check-in or prefer not to be on camera, options can be discussed when arranging sessions. Because the profile does not list specific session formats, confirm the current online options before booking to ensure they match your needs.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
16+ years
Credentials
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns can Paula help with?
She helps with stress, anxiety, grief and depression as well as relationship and intimacy-related issues. Additional areas include self-esteem, addictions, ADHD and matters linked to adoption and foster care.
What is Paula's therapy style like?
Her style is warm and person-centred, emphasising a strong working relationship. Sessions blend open conversation with practical exercises from cognitive approaches when useful.
How much experience does she have?
Paula has 16 years of experience, much of it supporting people through bereavement and in community and healthcare settings.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is MBACP accredited and holds NCPS, and she practices in the United Kingdom.
Are sessions available in other languages or internationally?
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.
Which session formats does Paula use?
The original profile does not specify session formats, so please confirm current session options with the service before booking.
How are costs handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with Paula?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.