- Attachment informed
- Task focused
- Supportive listening
About Madeleine
Madeleine Heffernan is a counsellor based in the United Kingdom who helps people deal with stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief and trauma. She also supports people facing issues such as addiction, intimacy concerns, body image and parenting strain. Madeleine works from the view that you are the expert on your life and draws on your strengths to move forward.
Her approach blends talking about life history with practical tools for day-to-day coping. Sessions can include listening, reflection and making sense of patterns that repeat in relationships. Cognitive behavioural techniques are used to spot unhelpful thoughts and try small experiments to change them.
Madeleine also uses psychodynamic ideas to link current difficulties to past experiences. She offers practices to develop a kinder inner voice and sometimes suggests short tasks to try between sessions. The work aims to build clearer self-understanding alongside practical steps to feel better.
She holds a BACP registration, and has eight years of experience in counselling. Madeleine answers messages daily between 08:30 and 20:30 and runs live sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Live sessions are offered by video, phone or instant messaging in line with the schedule stated by the therapist.
People who choose Madeleine tend to want a blend of emotional understanding and straightforward tools. If you prefer a therapist who listens for patterns in your life while helping you try things that make a real difference, she may be a good match.
Her approach blends talking about life history with practical tools for day-to-day coping. Sessions can include listening, reflection and making sense of patterns that repeat in relationships. Cognitive behavioural techniques are used to spot unhelpful thoughts and try small experiments to change them.
Madeleine also uses psychodynamic ideas to link current difficulties to past experiences. She offers practices to develop a kinder inner voice and sometimes suggests short tasks to try between sessions. The work aims to build clearer self-understanding alongside practical steps to feel better.
She holds a BACP registration, and has eight years of experience in counselling. Madeleine answers messages daily between 08:30 and 20:30 and runs live sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Live sessions are offered by video, phone or instant messaging in line with the schedule stated by the therapist.
People who choose Madeleine tend to want a blend of emotional understanding and straightforward tools. If you prefer a therapist who listens for patterns in your life while helping you try things that make a real difference, she may be a good match.
How Madeleine’s approaches work in online therapy
Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationships shape current patterns. It helps people understand why they react in certain ways with partners or close others and supports building different ways of relating. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, focuses on spotting unhelpful thoughts and testing small behavioural changes. It is useful for anxiety, low mood and practical day-to-day problems. Emotionally-Focused Therapy helps people identify and name strong emotions and use them to connect feelings with needs and actions.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Madeleine collaborates with each person to decide which methods suit their goals and preferences. She reviews how techniques are working and adjusts the plan together as therapy progresses.
If you are considering online sessions, confirm the session formats offered before booking. The therapist notes she runs live sessions by video, phone or instant messaging on set days, and she answers messages daily. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins by message when needed, and reduce travel time so appointments are simpler to attend.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
AddictionsLGBTGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryWomen's issuesWorkplace issues
Therapeutic approaches
Attachment-Based TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy
Experience
8+ years
Credentials
See below
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship and family problems, trauma and abuse, depression and addictions. Many other areas are also listed such as grief, intimacy issues, parenting and ADHD.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style mixes emotional listening with practical techniques. She explores past experiences while using tools to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has eight years of experience working in counselling and related therapeutic roles.
What credentials and location are associated with her practice?
She is registered with the BACP and is based in the United Kingdom.
In which language are sessions held?
Sessions are offered in English only.
Can people outside the UK work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions charged and what about cost?
Cost varies depending on location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
What is the process for getting started?
Select the continue button on this profile, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.