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Paula Rea

Therapist · United Kingdom

Paula Rea, BACP, NCPS

Compassionate, practical support for life changes

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Review online therapy options on BetterHelp.

  • Collaborative approach
  • Focus on coping skills
  • Support for grief

About Paula

Paula Rea is a BACP and NCPS registered counsellor based in the United Kingdom. She has four years of professional experience helping people who are dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties and the emotional impact of trauma. Paula focuses on practical, conversational support that helps clients take small steps forward.

Paula creates a calm space where people can talk through painful feelings and confusing thoughts. She aims to be straightforward and non-judgemental, listening first and then working out what would help most. Sessions are collaborative and paced to each person’s needs so conversations do not feel rushed.

Her approach draws on several well-known methods such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Attachment-Based Therapy. In practice this means looking at thoughts and behaviours, building new ways of coping, and working on relationships and self-esteem. Paula also uses elements from Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Client-Centred Therapy when they fit the work.

She supports people facing a wide range of difficulties including stress, addictions, grief, sleep and eating problems, chronic illness and caregiver strain. Paula also assists with issues linked to identity and intimacy, and with life transitions such as career change or bereavement.

Paula encourages people to be curious about small changes that add up over time. She explains options clearly and helps set realistic goals. If someone is thinking about starting, Paula asks them to complete the brief matching questionnaire and then schedule a session to see how the work might progress.

Areas of expertise

Also works with

LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

4+ years

Credentials

BACP · United Kingdom, NCPS · United Kingdom

Languages

English

How Paula’s approaches translate to online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts without fighting them and choose actions that match their values. It can be useful for anxiety, low mood and coping with long-term health problems. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours through practical exercises and homework tasks, which is often helpful for panic, depression and sleep problems. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationships shape current ways of relating and can help with intimacy, abandonment worries and communication issues.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic journey. Paula will talk with each person about their goals and preferences and suggest which methods to try. The choice is collaborative and can change as the work progresses.

The profile does not specify which online session formats are offered, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit conversations into a busy week and cut out travel time. It also allows sessions to include practical exercises or worksheets that people can use between meetings. Registered or accredited professionals like Paula often combine talking, guided exercises and simple behavioural tasks to help build coping skills and make small, steady changes.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does Paula help with?

She works with stress, anxiety, depression and trauma among other concerns. The profile also lists addiction, grief, sleep and eating difficulties, and living with chronic illness.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Paula uses a straightforward, conversational style and works collaboratively. Sessions focus on listening first, then agreeing practical steps that suit the client.

What is her professional background?

She has four years of professional experience as a counsellor in the United Kingdom. Her work has included supporting people after trauma and during major life changes.

What credentials and membership does she hold?

Paula is a BACP Therapist as a Registered Member (MBACP) and an NCPS Therapist as an Accredited Member (MNCPS Accred).

Can people who don’t live in the UK work with her?

Sessions are offered in English and she does not accept international clients at this time.

What session formats are available?

The original profile does not list specific session formats, so please confirm current session options before booking.

How are sessions paid for and how much do they cost?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I begin working with Paula?

Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist’s availability.

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Paula ReaReview online therapy options on BetterHelp.

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