Gemma Pattison, BACP

Gemma Pattison is a counsellor registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) with eight years of experience. She has helped people across different ages with stress, anxiety, low mood and relationship difficulties. Gemma often supports people coping with bereavement, trauma, abuse and changes in life circumstances. She encourages courage and is warm about the step of starting therapy.

Gemma believes the person seeking help is the expert in their own life. Her work centres on listening and reflecting so clients can make sense of difficult feelings. She uses a person-centred approach that focuses on the client’s priorities and pace. She describes the room as non-judgemental and supportive.

Alongside a client-centred stance, Gemma draws on other therapeutic tools to suit each individual. These include elements of attachment-based thinking, cognitive behavioural ideas, mindfulness practices and motivational interviewing. She adapts techniques to help with low mood, anxiety, self-esteem and coping skills in everyday life.

Gemma also has experience with a wide range of concerns such as addiction, eating and sleeping problems, parenting strain, chronic pain and neurodiversity-related issues. She works with matters linked to intimacy, identity and grief as well. Her broad background helps her combine practical strategies with attentive listening.

When someone first reaches out Gemma guides them gently through the early steps. She offers clear explanations of what to expect and checks in about goals and boundaries. She aims to make the start of therapy as manageable as possible for each person.

How Gemma’s approaches translate to online therapy

Gemma commonly uses a person-centred approach and cognitive behavioural ideas in her practice. Person-centred work means the counsellor listens closely and follows what matters to the client, helping them name and reflect on feelings. Cognitive behavioural elements focus on identifying patterns of thinking and testing small changes in behaviour to reduce anxiety and low mood.

She also draws on attachment-based thinking to look at how early relationships affect current reactions, and she can introduce mindfulness practices to help with stress and emotional regulation. Gemma will talk with each person about which approaches feel most helpful and will adapt methods as the work progresses. Finding the right mix is a collaborative process based on the client’s goals and preferences.

The original biography notes she uses video, telephone and chat and that she actively responds to messages, so please confirm the current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, reduce travel and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It also means people can continue therapy while living in different locations, with arrangements agreed at the start of the therapeutic relationship.