Shea McCartney, BACP, NCPS
Shea McCartney is a counsellor with four years' experience working in mental health settings.
About Shea
Shea McCartney is a counsellor with four years' experience working in mental health settings. He holds an MSc in Counselling and Therapeutic Communication with Professional Practice and is a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy - BACP.
Shea aims to make the first step easier by offering a calm, non-judgemental space where people can start to talk about what feels difficult. He works from a person-centred, trauma-informed base and adapts the way he works to the person in front of him.
Background and approach
Shea draws on practical approaches such as cognitive behavioural techniques and solution-focused ideas when these fit a client's needs. He also uses psychodynamic and trauma-focused methods when exploring past patterns or difficult memories is helpful. Shea has worked in NHS mental health services, child protection, trauma response and suicide intervention settings.
That background has given him experience with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship problems, domestic abuse, self-harm and trauma among other concerns. He also supports people with issues linked to sexuality, intimacy, parenting and caring roles. In sessions he focuses first on being listened to and understood.
Shea aims to build a trusting working relationship before introducing any practical tools. He says there is room for warmth and even gentle humour alongside serious work when it helps people feel more at ease. Therapy can be short or longer term depending on what someone needs.
Shea works collaboratively to set goals and to find manageable next steps. If a person wants to explore options, he asks them to use the Start Therapy button and complete the matching questionnaire to arrange an initial session.
Details from the counsellor's public professional profile · registration number listed
← Browse all counsellorsRegistration
| Body | Registration number | Expires |
|---|---|---|
| BACP | 393429 | September 2027 |
| NCPS | NCS22-00535 | February 2024 |
Registration details are as listed on the counsellor's public profile. You can check any number with the registering body.
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 Shea lists on their public professional profile, in their own terms.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Self esteem
- Depression
- LGBT
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Intimacy-related issues
- Sleeping disorders
- Parenting issues
- Anger management
- Career difficulties
- Coping with life changes
- Compassion fatigue
- Abandonment
- BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture
- Blended family issues
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Chronic pain, illness, and disability
- Codependency
- Commitment issues
- Communication problems
- Divorce and separation
- Domestic violence
- Emptiness
- Family problems
- First responder issues
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Immigration issues
- Infidelity
- Isolation / loneliness
- Jealousy
- Life purpose
- Men's issues
- Midlife crisis
- Multicultural concerns
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Self-harm
- Self-love
- Sexual assault and abuse
- Sexuality
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Women's issues
- Workplace issues
- Young adult issues
Ways of working Shea names
- Client-Centred Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
Naming an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each counsellor lists and does not check training records.
How Shea’s approaches work online
Shea blends person-centred listening with practical methods to help people make changes. Client-Centred Therapy focuses on providing an accepting space so someone can make sense of their feelings and priorities, which often helps with low mood, self-esteem and relationship concerns.Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) offers structured ways to spot unhelpful thoughts and try different behaviours. It can be useful for anxiety, sleep problems and managing stressful patterns day to day.
Finding the right approach is something Shea treats as a joint task. He will talk with each person about their goals and preferences and suggest ways of working that feel manageable. The plan can change as progress is made or new needs appear.
If you want to use online sessions, please confirm the available formats before booking as the biography does not specify them. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy around family and work, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when that suits a busy day. It can also let someone choose quieter surroundings or avoid being on camera if they prefer a phone-only conversation.
Frequently asked
What kinds of problems does he help with?
Shea supports people with common concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression and grief, plus relationship and family issues and trauma-related difficulties.
What is his therapeutic style like?
He works from a person-centred, trauma-informed base and adapts methods to each person. Shea balances listening with practical techniques when those are helpful.
What experience does he bring?
He has four years' clinical experience and has worked in NHS mental health, child protection, trauma response and suicide intervention services.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
Shea holds an MSc in Counselling and Therapeutic Communication with Professional Practice and is a registered member of BACP and an accredited member of NCPS. He practises in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the UK work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions charged and booked?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time. Exact pricing is confirmed during booking.
How do I begin a therapy process with him?
Use the Start Therapy button and complete the short matching questionnaire, then schedule according to the therapist's availability.