Debra Laking

Debra Laking is a counsellor who draws on humanistic, integrative methods to tailor sessions to each person. She uses empathy and a non-judgmental attitude to help people talk through stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, grief and low self-esteem. Debra presents a calm and steady presence to make difficult conversations feel more manageable.

With four years of formal practice under her BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) credential, Debra blends several approaches rather than relying on one fixed method. She listens for the practical problems and emotional patterns that keep people stuck. Then she works collaboratively to try ideas that fit the person’s life and goals.

Debra often uses methods from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help with anxious thoughts and unhelpful behaviours. She also draws on Client-Centred and Mindfulness approaches to build self-awareness and stronger coping skills. For relationship concerns she may use principles from the Gottman Method to improve communication and reduce repeated conflict.

Her wider focus covers ageing and geriatric issues, attachment and autism spectrum concerns, cancer and hospice-related distress, caregiver stress, and life-purpose questions. Debra also supports people dealing with control issues, guilt and shame, and isolation.

People who come to her typically want a practical, down-to-earth counsellor who adapts techniques to everyday life. The work is collaborative and paced to each person’s needs, with attention to small steps that add up to change.

How Debra’s approaches translate to online counselling

Debra commonly uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Client-Centred work to guide her sessions. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping people notice painful thoughts without getting overwhelmed, and on choosing actions that match their values. Client-Centred Therapy emphasises being heard and respected so people can find their own solutions.

She also draws on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for practical tools to spot unhelpful thinking and try different behaviours. CBT techniques can help reduce anxiety and improve coping with life changes by breaking problems into manageable steps.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Debra will talk with each person about what feels helpful and adjust methods based on goals and preferences. Together they plan what to try and check whether it is working, making changes as needed.

The biography does not list specific session formats, so please confirm current online options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into daily life, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Registered or accredited professionals often find remote sessions useful for continuity of care and for keeping therapy practical and focused.