Registration on file

Debra Laking, BACP

Debra Laking is a counsellor who uses a flexible, person-centred approach to help people through difficult times.

Stress, Anxiety
Relationship issues
Grief
+25 more

About Debra

Debra Laking is a counsellor who uses a flexible, person-centred approach to help people through difficult times. She draws on practical methods to support those struggling with stress, anxiety, relationships, grief and self-esteem. Debra works with simple, clear goals and lets people set the pace in sessions.

With four years of experience working in the United Kingdom, Debra blends several approaches to match each person's needs. She uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to identify unhelpful thoughts and try small experiments that can change day-to-day reactions.

Background and approach

She also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people notice difficult feelings while focusing on what matters most to them. Debra offers a calm, non-judgemental space where clients can talk through painful events and confusing emotions. She listens for strengths and practical steps people can take between sessions.

Her style is warm and straightforward, aimed at making therapy usable in everyday life. Alongside common concerns such as coping with life changes and loneliness, Debra has experience with ageing and geriatric issues, attachment matters, autism and Asperger syndrome, cancer-related concerns, caregiver stress and end-of-life topics. She also supports people working through forgiveness, guilt, communication problems and commitment issues.

Sessions are conducted in English and can be arranged in a variety of online formats. Debra encourages people to take the first step by completing a short questionnaire to help match needs and preferences.

Details from the counsellor's public professional profile · registration number listed

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Registration

Body	Registration number	Expires
BACP	409829	January 2027

Registration details are as listed on the counsellor's public profile. You can check any number with the registering body.

Check on the BACP register

Sessions and payment

Sessions are held online through our partner platform, by video, phone or messaging depending on the counsellor.

Cost Costs are shown on the partner platform before you commit. If cost is a concern, ask about reduced-fee options.

Focus areas and approaches

Everything Debra lists on their public professional profile, in their own terms.

Ways of working Debra names

Naming an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each counsellor lists and does not check training records.

Practical therapy approaches you can use online

Debra often uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - ACT - which helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, and then moves toward actions that match their values. This approach can help with anxiety, grief and life changes. She also draws on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - CBT - which looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviours and uses small experiments or new ways of thinking to reduce distress. CBT is useful for stress, anxiety and low mood.

Finding the right way of working is part of the process. Debra collaborates with each person to decide which approach fits their goals, needs and preferences. She will check in and adapt methods as the work progresses so the plan stays relevant and practical.

Online sessions are offered as video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging so people can choose what suits them best. Video is helpful for fuller, conversational work while phone calls need less bandwidth. Live chat or messaging can be useful for quick check-ins, brief coaching or when someone prefers not to be on camera. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, caregiving or other commitments and to keep momentum between sessions.

Frequently asked

What kinds of problems does Debra help with?

She supports people facing stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, low self-esteem and coping with life changes. Additional focus areas include ageing, attachment issues, autism and cancer-related concerns.

What style of therapy can I expect?

Debra uses a person-centred approach combined with practical methods like ACT and CBT and elements of the Gottman method and mindfulness. The work focuses on clear goals and simple steps to try between sessions.

How much clinical experience does Debra have?

She has four years of professional experience working with people in the United Kingdom.

What credentials and location are listed?

Debra is listed with BACP and works in the United Kingdom.

Which languages are available for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the UK work with her?

International clients are accepted and may schedule sessions according to availability.

What session formats does she use and how do they work?

Debra offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules. These options allow for shorter check-ins, quieter conversations or full face-to-face style video work.

How are fees and starting steps handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability and uses a subscription that can be cancelled at any time. To begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule according to availability.