Paula Driskel

I have availability at present.

I offer remote therapy by Teams and Zoom.  I offer Telephone Session.  All Nationwide.

In the near future I will offer Face to Face.

Monday to Friday   - 09.00 a.m. to 19.00 p.m.

Saturdays                 - 09.00 a.m. to 14.00 p.m.

Hello, my name is Paula, and I am a qualified Integrative Counsellor.

First, I want to acknowledge the courage it takes to seek support – it’s a significant and positive step towards personal growth and healing.

Let me tell you a bit about my own journey to becoming a counsellor. After many years working in the City of London with large corporate companies, I reached a point where I knew I wanted a more meaningful role – one where I could truly make a difference in someone’s wellbeing.

I’ve also been on the receiving end of counselling. As a young person, I witnessed events that, at the time, seemed acceptable, only to realise later that they was not. I also experienced the impact of others’ negative opinions, which affected my confidence and self-esteem. Through my own healing journey, I came to understand how essential it is to be seen and heard without judgment, and how empowering it is to regain autonomy over your own life and decisions.

I practice an integrative approach that combines Person-Centred Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). I believe that the relationship between a client and their therapist is truly unique. It may be the first time a client has felt trust like never before. For me, it’s an honour to be invited into a client’s world and trusted with their experiences, as together we work towards restoring autonomy and self-empowerment.

If you choose me to walk with you on your counselling journey, I want to thank you for the opportunity to be a part of your healing process.

As an integrative counsellor, I am deeply passionate about supporting individuals through life’s challenges. My approach combines the practical strategies of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with the warmth and empathy of Person-Centred Therapy. I believe in creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your feelings and begin to heal at your own pace.

Life can be overwhelming at times, and it’s my privilege to walk alongside you through those moments. In CBT, we work together to identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns. With Person-Centred Therapy, I offer you unconditional positive regard, deep empathy, and a genuine space where you can be truly heard. My aim is to help you build resilience, increase self-awareness, and find your path to healing and growth.

I also have a special place in my heart for animals and the profound impact they have on our lives. That's why I offer Pet Bereavement Counselling. The loss of a pet can be a deep grief, as they often feel like family. If you're grieving the loss of a pet, I’m here to support you in honouring their memory and the special bond you shared.

Why Choose Me?

Choosing the right therapist is an important step, and I want you to feel confident in your decision. I offer a compassionate, tailored approach that respects your individual needs and goals. Whether through exploring thought patterns in CBT or creating a safe space in Person-Centred Therapy, I am here to provide a healing, supportive, and empathetic environment. If you are grieving a pet, I’ll approach your loss with care and understanding. Together, we can explore your challenges, find healing, and move forward with renewed strength.

If you’re ready to begin your journey of healing, I’d be honoured to walk alongside you. Let’s work together to find a path forward, whether navigating life’s ups and downs or honouring the memory of a special companion.

In our first counselling session, which is free, we will spend around 50 minutes together completing a short assessment. This assessment helps us explore your personal history, identify any possible triggers, patterns in your behaviours or relationships, and uncover any past traumas that may be influencing you. It gives me a clearer picture of what has brought you to therapy and, importantly, what you hope to achieve from our work together.

After this assessment, we will schedule our next sessions, typically for the same day and time each week, to create a consistent routine. As we continue our sessions, we will regularly review your progress to ensure you're receiving the support you need.

Towards the end of your therapy journey, we'll focus on safely working towards a conclusion, ensuring you're ready to transition and feel confident about the progress you've made.