Mandika Shah-Dhillon, BACP

Mandika Shah-Dhillon is a BACP counsellor who offers a calm, steady space for people feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin. She welcomes those dealing with anxiety, stress, low mood, trauma, addictions, identity concerns, relationship patterns and the gradual pressures that build up over time. Her manner is warm and patient, and she encourages starting with whatever you can bring, even if it feels unclear.

She trained in Person-Centred Counselling and the Psychotherapeutic Relationship at the University of Warwick and is completing an MSc in Psychology of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Her work history includes time in private practice, university mental health services, addiction support and crisis roles. That variety informs how she responds to different challenges in sessions.

Her style is relational and intuitive. Sessions focus on listening carefully, naming what matters, and helping people notice patterns in how they think and feel. She works integratively, drawing from person-centred foundations alongside trauma-aware practice and contemporary psychological ideas.

In practical terms this means the therapist aims to help people slow down, get clearer about what’s happening, and develop manageable ways to cope. Conversations can include looking at thought patterns, bringing in mindfulness skills, and reflecting on relationship dynamics. The pace is set by the client and adjustments are made as needed.

People come for many reasons - parenting strain, grief, eating and sleeping issues, chronic illness, ADHD, or career stress. If you’re unsure how to begin, the first step is often a short conversation to find out what you need and how to take the next step together.

How her approaches translate to online support

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening without judgement and helping people find their own answers. It suits issues where feeling heard and accepted is the starting point, such as identity concerns, relationship patterns and low mood.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and actions. It often includes practical exercises and steps to change unhelpful thinking and behaviour, which can help with anxiety, depression, compulsive habits and some eating or sleeping difficulties.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals and preferences and decide together which methods to try. That collaborative process helps shape each session and ensures the approach matches your needs rather than being imposed.

The practical benefits of online therapy often include fitting sessions more easily into daily life and reducing travel time. It can make it simpler to schedule shorter check-ins around work or to keep regular appointments during periods of illness or caregiving. The biography does not list specific session formats, so please confirm current options before booking to make sure they fit your routine.