Debra Laking

Debra Laking is a counsellor who describes her practice as integrative and humanistic. She focuses on tailoring sessions to each person, drawing on several therapeutic approaches rather than using a one-size-fits-all method. Clients can expect a compassionate, non-judgemental space for talking through stress, anxiety, relationship worries, grief and changes in life.

Debra uses practical, everyday language in sessions and aims to help people notice strengths they already have. She works from the view that people know their own stories best, and she supports them in exploring feelings and choices without pressure. This approach is steady and patient, rather than directive or rushed.

Her background includes four years of experience and membership of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP. That BACP credential is presented as part of her professional profile. She works with concerns such as self-esteem, coping with life changes, isolation and bereavement, and also has experience in areas like ageing and geriatric issues, caregiver stress and end-of-life counselling.

Debra draws on methods including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centred Therapy, Mindfulness and the Gottman Method so she can match what she does to each person’s needs. Sessions involve talking, reflection and practical steps to try outside sessions when appropriate.

People looking for support with divorce and separation related stress will find these themes included among her focus areas. To begin, she asks prospective clients to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule sessions based on availability.

Therapeutic approaches and how they work online

Debra commonly uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, plus Client-Centred Therapy in her work. ACT focuses on noticing thoughts and values and taking small steps that matter, which can help with anxiety and coping with life changes. CBT looks at thoughts and behaviours and introduces simple, practical strategies to reduce worry and change unhelpful patterns. Client-Centred Therapy offers a warm, listening space where the person leads the conversation while the therapist reflects and supports.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Debra will discuss different methods with each person and decide together what fits best based on needs, goals and personal preference. That collaborative process can include trying techniques from more than one approach until something feels helpful.

Please confirm which session formats are available before booking, as the biography does not list specific options. Many people find online sessions make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. If you have questions about how online sessions might fit into your routine, the initial matching questionnaire and scheduling step will help clarify practical arrangements.