Gary Stanley, BACP

Gary Stanley is a BACP counsellor who helps people facing stress, anxiety, addiction and low self-esteem. He aims to make the first step feel manageable for someone worried about change. Gary offers calm, practical support so people can start to feel more in control.

He believes clients are the experts in their own stories and draws on their strengths. Sessions focus on small, achievable steps and on building motivation and confidence. Gary listens for what matters most and works with each person's pace.

Over eight years he has worked with people dealing with depression, coping with life changes, grief and trauma. He also supports those struggling with anger, sleep difficulties, intimacy concerns and career stress. Additional areas of focus include hoarding, jealousy, obsessions and compulsions, paranoia and phobias.

His style is straightforward and supportive. Conversations are practical and aim to produce clear steps to try between sessions. Where relevant, the work covers coping skills, thinking patterns and ways to rebuild daily routines.

Gary practises in the United Kingdom and conducts sessions in English. If you are thinking about starting, he encourages a brief matching process to connect your needs with his way of working.

Approaches and how online work can help

Gary uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques aimed at practical change. One common approach focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and testing different ways of thinking and behaving to reduce anxiety and low mood. This helps with worries, panic and repetitive negative thoughts. Another approach centres on building daily routines and coping skills to manage cravings, reduce compulsive behaviours and improve sleep. These techniques break problems into manageable steps and teach concrete skills to use day to day.

Choosing the right way of working is part of the process. The therapist will work collaboratively with the client to find approaches that fit their goals, preferences and what they are trying to change. Together they agree on focus areas and practical tasks to try between sessions.

Practical benefits of online therapy can include fitting sessions into a busy week and reducing travel time. It can make it easier to keep regular contact while juggling work, family or other commitments. If you prefer to confirm how sessions are delivered, check the session options before booking so you know what format will be offered.