Claire Cotgrove, BACP

Claire Cotgrove is a BACP counsellor who offers a calm, non-judgemental space for people navigating midlife questions and related struggles. She focuses on helping people who identify as LGBT and those dealing with trauma, relationship strain, intimacy concerns or neurodivergence. Conversations are straightforward and paced to each person’s needs, with an emphasis on being heard and understood.

Claire draws on three years of counselling experience and life experience to make sessions feel grounded and human. She uses a person-centred way of working, which keeps the client’s experience at the heart of every session. That means the person leads the conversation while Claire listens, reflects and offers practical ways to make sense of things.

Trauma-focused approaches are part of her practice when past harm affects day-to-day life. In those sessions she helps people map how traumatic events show up now and work on steps to reduce their impact. The therapist also offers creative options to help people find new ways to express difficult feelings.

Clients can expect sessions that look at relationships, communication, attachment and intimacy. Claire also supports people dealing with abandonment, grief, chronic illness, and challenges around sexuality and gender. Her style is warm, steady and accepting, with practical steps woven into conversation.

People who choose to work with Claire are invited to be curious about their next steps. She encourages honest talk, gradual change and finding everyday strategies that make life feel more manageable.

Approaches that guide online therapy and recovery

Claire uses client-centred therapy to keep the person’s experience central. This approach means the counsellor follows what matters most to the client, mirrors thoughts and feelings, and helps people find their own solutions. It is useful for talking through life changes, relationship concerns and questions about identity.

She also uses trauma-focused therapy when past events continue to affect daily life. That work looks at how traumatic experiences show up now and helps people take small steps to reduce their impact. It can be helpful for those dealing with abuse, coercive relationships, shame or religious trauma.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences and what feels most helpful, then try methods together to see what fits. This is a collaborative process where adjustments are made as the client learns what helps them most.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the exact session formats before booking because the biography does not list specific options. Online work can make it easier to fit counselling into a busy life, avoid travel, and keep sessions brief when needed. Many people find remote sessions helpful for regular check-ins and practical problem-solving, and the therapist will advise on how best to shape sessions to match everyday routines and needs.