Shea McCartney

• Trauma and abuse
• Stress and anxiety
• Self esteem issues

About Shea

Shea McCartney works on stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, self‑esteem, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting concerns, sleeping problems and career adjustment using a person‑centred and trauma‑informed way. He is a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and an accredited member of NCPS, with four years' experience in counselling.

He draws on several evidence‑based approaches rather than one fixed model. Sessions focus on listening carefully and helping people put words to hard experiences. The initial phase usually involves making space to describe what feels most pressing and agreeing practical aims for therapy.

Shea has worked in NHS mental health settings, child protection, trauma and suicide intervention organisations. That background means he has experience supporting people affected by domestic abuse, bereavement, self‑harm and significant life changes, among other difficulties.

In practice he combines client‑centred ways of working with cognitive and trauma‑focused tools when helpful. He also uses psychodynamic ideas and solution‑focused techniques to help with patterns, decision points and short‑term goals. This can include talking through difficult memories, testing new ways to cope, and setting practical steps between sessions.

He aims to keep sessions straightforward and humane, with room for serious conversation and occasional lighter moments. Therapy can be brief for a single problem or longer term for deeper work, and pace is agreed with each person.

Shea works in English and does not take international clients. To begin, users select the Talk to a counsellor online button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.

How Shea uses different approaches in online counselling

Client‑centred therapy focuses on listening and making sure the person feels heard. The counsellor encourages people to lead the conversation and helps them clarify what matters most, which can be useful for issues like self‑esteem, relationship concerns and parenting stress.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) looks at practical ways to change unhelpful thinking and behaviour. It often includes simple exercises and short‑term goals to reduce symptoms of anxiety, low mood and sleep problems.

Trauma‑focused work helps people who have been affected by abuse, loss or overwhelming events. This approach involves careful, paced ways of talking about difficult memories and building coping strategies for day‑to‑day life.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The counsellor will discuss options with each person and agree a plan based on their needs, goals and preferences. That decision is made together and can change as therapy progresses.

The biography does not list which session formats are used, so please confirm current options before booking. Online work can help fit counselling into a busy week, reduce travel time and allow shorter check‑in sessions when needed. Registered or accredited professionals can also use different techniques remotely to support progress without requiring attendance in person.

Topics Shea lists

• Stress and 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 and loneliness
• Jealousy
• Life purpose
• Men's issues
• Midlife crisis
• Multicultural concerns
• Panic disorder and panic attacks
• Polyamory and 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

• Client-Centred Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Solution-Focused Therapy
• Trauma-Focused Therapy

Questions about Shea

Does she work with anxiety?

Yes. Anxiety and related stress are listed among the concerns he addresses in sessions.

What kind of counselling does he offer?

He works from a person‑centred, trauma‑informed base and draws on CBT, psychodynamic, solution‑focused and trauma‑focused approaches as needed.

What experience does he have?

He has four years of counselling experience, including roles in NHS mental health services, child protection and suicide intervention organisations.

Is he a registered counsellor in the UK?

Yes. He is a registered member of the BACP (MBACP) and an accredited member of NCPS (MNCPS Accred).

Can I have sessions in another language?

Sessions are offered in English only.

What session formats does he offer?

The original biography does not specify session formats; please confirm the available formats before booking.

How much do sessions cost?

Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I get started?

Use the Talk to a counsellor online button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a first session.