Debra Laking, BACP

Debra Laking is a BACP counsellor who offers a compassionate, person-focused way of working. She creates a calm space where people can talk through stress, anxiety, relationship worries, grief, low self-esteem and life changes. Debra speaks plainly and listens closely to help people make sense of what matters to them.

Her practice draws on a mix of approaches so sessions are tailored to each person. She commonly uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Client-Centred ideas alongside mindfulness and practical problem-solving. This mix helps with emotional regulation, unhelpful thinking patterns and clearer communication.

Debra also has experience supporting people facing aging and geriatric issues, cancer and hospice or end-of-life concerns. She helps carers cope with stress and supports people living with autism or attachment-related difficulties. Her work covers practical concerns such as communication problems, commitment worries, divorce and separation, and isolation or loneliness.

Clients can expect simple, focused sessions where they explore what they want to change and try small, realistic steps between meetings. Debra aims to build on each person’s strengths while offering steady, non-judgemental support. She works from the United Kingdom and offers sessions in English.

With four years of counselling experience, Debra combines empathy with straightforward tools to help people move forward. To begin, people are invited to complete the site’s matching questionnaire and book a session according to the available times.

Therapeutic approaches for online sessions

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, and then choose actions that reflect their values. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at patterns of thinking and behaviour to reduce distress and build practical coping skills. Client-Centred Therapy focuses on empathic listening and supporting the person to find their own solutions and strengths.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss your goals and preferences and recommend ways of working that fit your situation. This is a collaborative process and adjustments can be made as progress and needs become clearer.

The biography does not list specific online formats, so confirm current session options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into everyday life, reduce travel time and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. It can also allow people to use quieter surroundings, manage bandwidth by turning off video, or arrange meetings around work and caregiving commitments. Registered or accredited professionals can help decide whether online sessions are a suitable way to meet your goals.