Shelly Thomas-Baines, NCPS

Approaches that guide online therapy

Shelly uses trauma-focused therapy to help people who are affected by past harm. This approach looks at how upsetting events shape current feelings and reactions, and works on ways to reduce overwhelming responses and build safety in daily life.

She also uses a client-centred approach which puts the person’s experience at the heart of sessions. That means listening closely, following what matters most to the client, and shaping the conversation around their goals and values.

Mindfulness techniques are used alongside those approaches to help manage anxiety and stress. Simple breathing and grounding practices are taught and practised to reduce distress and improve focus in difficult moments.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Shelly will discuss options and try methods that match a person’s needs, goals and preferences. This is a collaborative process where the therapist and client adjust the plan as they learn what helps most.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility. Video calls let people work face to face without travel, phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is low, and live chat or text-based messaging suit shorter check-ins or times when typing feels more comfortable. These formats make it possible to fit therapy around work, caregiving or health constraints while keeping continuity of care with registered or accredited professionals.