Paula Ryans

I can offer sessions on 

Monday morning/afternoon and Thursday afternoon/evening

How I Work

Are you struggling with your emotions after a change or loss? Do you feel stuck, lost, or overwhelmed?

If so, therapy can help you cope with the personal and emotional challenges we all face. Common themes in my sessions include stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship difficulties, and low self-esteem. It can be difficult to open up, even to those closest to us, which often leads to feelings of isolation and worry. If you are experiencing this, I offer a safe, supportive space where you can untangle your thoughts and emotions, free from judgment.

Building a compassionate, genuine therapeutic relationship with you is at the heart of my approach. Therapy can help you gain awareness of your issues and foster greater self-acceptance. Together, we will examine the impact of past experiences and explore your relationships—with yourself and others. Through this process, we can understand how you arrived at this point and, if you choose, work together to make positive changes moving forward.

Who Do I Work With?

Over the past four years, I have supported individuals of all ages, from 5 to 75. I offer play therapy for children and talk therapy for young people and adults. I also enjoy incorporating creative approaches for anyone open to them.

What Experience Do I Have?

My therapy journey began in special needs education and family support, which inspired me to retrain as a therapist. I hold an MA in Person-Centred Experiential Counselling and Psychotherapy and have spent four years providing counselling to children, young people, and adults, both in organizations and in private practice for a wide range of mental health issues.

I provide support through significant life transitions, such as becoming a parent, to help you process the changes and complex emotions that may arise. As an accredited pregnancy and baby loss counsellor, I provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space to process grief, which can often feel isolating.

Additionally, I understand the pressures that come with caring for a family, particularly when a child has special needs. I offer support to navigate the complexities of the school and special needs systems. I am particularly passionate about supporting adults who receive a special needs diagnosis later in life, providing tailored insights and strategies to cope with these challenges.

Additionally, I can help children, young people and adults with a wide range of issues, including:

• Bereavement (including sudden loss and anticipatory grief)

• Parent-child relationships

• Family dynamics and relationships

• Relationship breakdowns

• Friendships & loneliness

• Work stress

• Bullying

• Family separation and blended families

• Chronic illness

• Caring for others

• Sexual assault and abuse

• Low self-esteem

• Childhood trauma

• Neurodivergence such as autism and dyslexia

I offer an initial session on the phone for free or face to face (£25).  My approach is client-led and I will take some time in the first session to explain how person-centred therapy works so you can decide if this is right for you. It is an opportunity for you to talk about your situation and I will ask some questions about how you have been feeling.  By the time you leave, you will know more about me and what you want to get out of therapy.