Colette Safhill

Colette Safhill is a person-centred counsellor who draws on 20 years of practical experience. She works in a non-judgemental way and helps people talk through what they bring to sessions. Colette is BACP accredited, and she trained as a person-centred psychotherapist at the University of Essex.

Colette uses simple, human language in the room. She listens first, then helps people map out small changes they can try between sessions. Her work often focuses on stress, anxiety, depression and addictions, and she also supports those coping with grief or trauma.

Relationship topics and intimacy-related issues are part of her practice, including support around communication and the effects of separation. She has experience with adoption and foster care questions, attachment concerns, and parenting strains. Colette also addresses body image, eating issues and sleep difficulties in practical, step-by-step ways.

Her training includes approaches for trauma and relationship therapy, and she uses techniques such as EMDR alongside talk-based work when appropriate. People who are exploring identity and LGBT concerns can find a steady, non-judgemental space with her. Clinical work also covers chronic illness, caregiver stress, and issues around control and codependency.

Colette offers sessions in person, by phone and online. She aims to help people set realistic goals, try small experiments, and build coping skills that fit everyday life.

How Colette adapts therapeutic approaches for online work

Colette blends person-centred work with structured methods to suit online sessions. Client-Centred Therapy places the person's experience at the heart of the session and focuses on empathic listening and the client's own goals. This helps with low mood, self-esteem and life transitions where being heard matters. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, looks at patterns of thought and behaviour and offers practical exercises to try between sessions; it can be useful for anxiety, insomnia and managing urges. Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, EMDR, is an approach used for processing traumatic memories and reducing distressing reactions when trauma is present.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals, explore what has helped before, and suggest which methods to try first. Clients and therapist review progress together and adjust the plan as needed so the work stays relevant and manageable.

If you prefer online or phone sessions, confirm the current formats before booking since options can change. Many people find remote sessions easier to fit into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins around work, or make it simpler to continue therapy while travelling. Registered or accredited professionals can use online work to offer similar tools and homework as in-person sessions, with a focus on practical skills and steady progress.