Carol Shields, BACP

Carol Shields is a counsellor based in the United Kingdom who helps people manage stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship strain and life changes. She also supports people facing addictions, grief, trauma, and the challenges of parenting and career shifts. Carol uses practical, down-to-earth conversation to help clients find steadier ways of thinking and acting. With ten years of experience, Carol draws on approaches that centre on thoughts and everyday habits. She combines cognitive behavioural ideas with acceptance and mindfulness practices to help people notice unhelpful patterns and try different responses. Sessions tend to focus on small, manageable steps rather than big promises. Carol aims to create a respectful and non-judgemental space. She listens for the real daily problems people bring and works alongside them to build new habits and coping strategies. This can involve changing thought patterns, practising mindful moments, or clarifying values to guide decisions. Her background includes work across a range of concerns from mood disorders and ADHD to attachment and communication difficulties. She describes herself as sensitive and compassionate, and emphasises empowering clients to make choices that suit their life. Anyone considering therapy is encouraged to review the approach and decide if it feels like a good fit. Sessions are practical and conversational, with an emphasis on applying what is discussed to real life.

How her approaches translate to online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters most and take small actions towards those values. It can be useful when someone feels stuck or unsure what to prioritise. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and routines, which often helps with anxiety, low mood and everyday stress.

Choosing the right approach is a shared process. The therapist will talk with the client about their goals and preferences, then try methods that fit those aims. Together they review what helps and adjust the plan as needed so sessions feel useful and relevant.

The biography does not list specific session formats, so please confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. It also lets people join sessions from different locations when life or work requires flexibility. Registered or accredited professionals can adapt conversational, CBT and ACT techniques to an online setting, focusing on practical exercises and habit changes that carry into everyday life.