Counsellor profile
Deborah Ritchie, BACP
Counsellor specialising in anxiety and relationships
See online counselling options- ACT
- CBT
- Mindfulness
About Deborah
Counsellor Deborah Ritchie is a BACP member with four years of professional practice in the United Kingdom. She works with stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, self-esteem and related concerns. She also supports people with neurodiversity and wider issues such as addiction and sleep problems.
Deborah uses a mix of approaches to suit each person. She draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and mindfulness alongside client-centred and attachment-informed ways of working. Sessions focus on clear, practical steps and on understanding patterns that cause distress.
She has experience working in a college setting with people aged 16 and over. There she covered topics including family relationships, sex and gender identity, self-harm and trauma. She sees both short-term and longer-term clients and works with people who need help managing life changes and difficult emotions.
In a session Deborah talks through what is worrying you and looks at what might help next. Work can include noticing unhelpful thoughts, building coping strategies and practicing acceptance and present-moment skills. She aims to be straightforward and practical about options so people can try small changes between sessions.
Many clients come to discuss relationship strain, loss, or confidence problems. Others want support for ADHD, anger, chronic illness, or career stress. Deborah asks about everyday routines and pressures to make therapy relevant to each person's life.
Therapeutic approaches used in online counselling
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages noticing thoughts and values-based action. It can help when anxiety, low mood or avoidance get in the way of living the life someone cares about.Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and actions. It is practical and helps with problems such as anxiety, depression, sleep and unhelpful habits.
Mindfulness-based work teaches paying attention to the present moment in a non-judgemental way. This can reduce rumination and support emotional regulation during stressful times.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Deborah will discuss goals and preferences and help decide which methods to try. The choice is collaborative and can change as progress is made.
Confirm the session formats before booking, as current formats are not listed here. Online sessions can make it easier to fit counselling around school, work or care duties and can reduce travel time. They also allow shorter check-ins or telephone options when video is not needed, so therapy can fit into everyday life without extra journeys.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
4+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What issues does she help with most often?
She commonly works with stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, low self-esteem and addictions. She also supports people with neurodiversity, sleep problems and parenting concerns.
What is her style of therapy?
She blends Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and mindfulness with client-centred and attachment-informed approaches. The aim is practical work and clearer ways of coping.
How much experience does she have?
She has four years of professional counselling experience in the UK, including work in a college setting with people aged 16 and over.
Which professional body is she a member of?
She is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, listed as BACP.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people from other countries work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions charged?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I start a first session?
Select the See online counselling options button, complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule a first session.
Details come from information the counsellor supplied to BetterHelp. A membership or registration can be checked on the professional body's own register.
Online counselling is not emergency care. In an emergency call 999, or see the help numbers.