Counsellor profile
Debra Laking, BACP
Counsellor - stress and relationships
See online counselling options- ACT methods
- CBT techniques
- Mindfulness practice
About Debra
counsellor, BACP, 4 years' experience. Debra Laking works in the United Kingdom and helps people with stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, grief, low self-esteem and coping with life changes.
Debra works in a person-centred way and draws on evidence-informed methods. She uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness approaches and the Gottman Method where these fit a client's needs. Sessions focus on clear, practical steps and on helping people name what matters to them.
Her background includes several years supporting people through bereavement, separation and major life changes. She also works with issues around ageing and geriatric concerns, caregiving stress, cancer and end-of-life matters, and with people who identify with autism or Asperger Syndrome. Communication and attachment difficulties are also areas she addresses.
In a typical session Debra listens, reflects and offers practical techniques such as mindfulness exercises, values-based actions from ACT and thought-challenging from CBT. She also uses relationship-focused tools drawn from the Gottman Method for communication problems and commitment issues. Sessions aim to be straightforward and focused on manageable steps.
Debra works in English and welcomes people from the UK and overseas. Before booking she asks people to complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule a first session. Costs vary by location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How her approaches work in online counselling
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on values and practical steps. It helps people notice unhelpful thoughts, clarify what matters to them and take small actions that fit their values. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at thinking patterns and behaviours. It offers tools for spotting and testing thoughts and for building routines that reduce anxiety and stress.Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss different methods with the client and decide together which make sense for current goals and preferences. This is a collaborative process and can change as the work progresses.
The original biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Online counselling can make sessions easier to fit into a busy week, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It also makes it possible to see a therapist from elsewhere in the UK or another country while keeping regular appointments.
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 help with most?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, grief, low self-esteem and coping with life changes, plus related issues such as caregiving stress and isolation.
What is her therapeutic style?
She uses a person-centred approach and draws on ACT, CBT, mindfulness and the Gottman Method to suit individual needs.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has four years' experience working as a counsellor in the United Kingdom.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is a member of the BACP and works in the United Kingdom.
Can I work with her if I live outside the UK?
International clients are accepted. Sessions are offered in English.
Which session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How are sessions paid for?
Costs vary with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin 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.