- Guilt and shame
- CBT and ACT methods
- Mindfulness practice
About Debra
Debra Laking is a BACP counsellor based in the United Kingdom with four years of experience. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief, low self-esteem and major life changes. Debra also lists areas such as guilt and shame, caregiving strain, ageing concerns and issues around communication and commitment.
She uses an integrative humanistic stance and draws on several approaches to suit the person in front of her. That means sessions tend to focus on the person’s story and strengths while introducing practical methods when they help. Debra emphasises listening and gentle questioning to clarify what matters most to each client.
In practice she may bring in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) ideas to spot unhelpful thinking patterns and practical steps that change them. Mindfulness techniques are used to help with overwhelming feelings and with staying present in difficult moments. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) tools are offered to help people notice painful thoughts without being ruled by them.
When people are carrying guilt or shame Debra will work on understanding where those feelings come from and on small, manageable moves that reduce their everyday impact. She also supports those coping with bereavement, illness, caregiver stress and the isolation that can follow major life shifts.
Sessions keep to straightforward language and practical aims. To begin she asks clients to share what they most need to address, and then they agree the next steps together.
How Debra uses ACT, CBT and Mindfulness online
Debra commonly draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Mindfulness in her work. ACT helps people notice painful thoughts and choose actions that reflect their values rather than their momentary distress. CBT focuses on spotting unhelpful thinking patterns and testing practical steps that change feelings and behaviour. Mindfulness develops skills to stay present with difficult emotions and reduce getting swept up by them.Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the process. Debra works collaboratively with clients to decide which methods suit their goals and preferences. She listens to what matters most and adapts the plan as progress is made or priorities shift.
The original biography does not list specific session formats, so please confirm the available online options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into everyday life - for example a shorter check-in during a lunch break, avoiding travel time, or choosing sessions that do not require being on camera. Many people find these practical arrangements help keep therapy consistent alongside work, caring responsibilities and other commitments.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
4+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she work with?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, low self-esteem and coping with life changes. Additional areas include guilt and shame, caregiving stress, ageing and communication problems.
How does she approach guilt and shame?
She looks at where those feelings come from and uses talking, mindfulness and practical exercises to reduce their day-to-day hold. The aim is to help people make small changes that feel manageable.
What is her professional background?
She has four years of experience as a counsellor and practices in the United Kingdom. Her work draws on several therapy approaches rather than a single method.
What credential does she hold and where does she work?
She is listed with the BACP and works in the United Kingdom.
Can I have sessions in other languages or from overseas?
Sessions are offered in English. She accepts international clients.
What formats are offered for sessions?
The original profile does not list specific session formats. Please confirm the current session options before booking.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.