Paula Otley, BACP, NCPS

Paula Otley is an experienced integrative counsellor with a long-standing background in bereavement support and relational therapy. Over 16 years she has worked as a bereavement support volunteer, accompanying people through profound loss and finding her professional direction through that work. She holds accreditation with BACP - a UK professional association for counsellors and psychotherapists - and also lists NCPS among her credentials.

Trained as an integrative counsellor, Paula blends person-centred and psychodynamic approaches within a relational framework to tailor therapy to each individual. In 2020 she completed additional training in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and incorporates those techniques where they suit a client's goals. Her clinical approaches include attachment-based work, mindfulness, solution-focused methods and other evidence-informed practices that complement her relational stance.

Paula has worked across a variety of settings including GP practice, the NHS, charities, community counselling services, private practice and employee assistance programmes. She meets clients from all walks of life as they are, building a reliable therapeutic alliance to support the work. She takes a collaborative approach and works alongside clients to address grief, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns and a broad range of life challenges.