Debra Laking, BACP

Debra Laking is a counsellor who uses a person-focused, integrative approach. She draws on several therapies to suit the needs of each person. Debra offers a gentle, non-judgemental space where people can talk through stress, anxiety, relationship strain, grief and changes in life including midlife transitions.

She works from a humanistic base and adapts methods to the person in front of her. That means sessions might include mindful practices, clear thinking tools from cognitive behavioural therapy, and values-based work from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. The aim is to help people notice what matters to them and make manageable changes.

Debra has four years of experience practising in the United Kingdom and holds BACP accreditation. Her background includes supporting people through loss, adjustment to illness, caring responsibilities and issues around ageing. She also addresses attachment concerns, communication problems and isolation.

In sessions she tends to focus on practical steps and short-term goals. Conversations may include looking at thought patterns, practising grounding or mindfulness, and identifying small actions that build confidence and coping. She encourages clients to use their existing strengths while trying new ways of managing difficult feelings.

People who come to Debra often want calm, clear conversations and a steady guide while they work through change. She helps plan realistic steps toward better day-to-day coping and a clearer sense of purpose.

How Debra’s approaches translate to online therapy

Debra commonly draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Client-Centred Therapy, with elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. ACT focuses on identifying personal values and taking small steps that match those values, which can help when life feels stuck. Client-Centred Therapy prioritises listening and empathy, giving people space to make sense of feelings and decisions. CBT offers practical tools to spot unhelpful thoughts and test different ways of responding.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences and what feels most useful. Together the client and therapist decide which methods to try and adjust them as progress is made, so therapy stays relevant to the person’s needs.

If you prefer remote sessions, check which formats the therapist currently offers before booking, as the biography does not list formats. Online work can make fitting therapy into a busy life easier by removing travel time and allowing sessions from different locations. It can also allow shorter check-ins or phone conversations when video is difficult, and it helps maintain continuity during periods of travel or caregiving responsibilities.