- Person-centred approach
- Trauma-informed care
- Practical coping strategies
About Shea
Shea McCartney is a counsellor who combines a person-centred way of working with a practical, trauma-informed outlook. He aims to make sessions straightforward and approachable, so people feel heard before any techniques are used. Shea holds an MSc in Counselling and Therapeutic Communication with Professional Practice and also has a BSc in Sociology with Psychology. He is a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP) and an Accredited Member of the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (MNCPS Accred).
Shea adapts his approach to each person rather than using a single method for everyone. He draws on Client-Centred Therapy alongside other approaches to match what a person needs in the moment. Sessions can include practical strategies, time to talk through painful memories, or space to work through everyday stresses and decisions.
His background includes work across NHS mental health services, child protection, trauma services and suicide intervention organisations. That experience has informed his work with people facing anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship and family issues, self-esteem struggles and major life changes. Shea also supports those dealing with chronic illness, caregiver strain, and difficulties related to sexuality and intimacy.
He describes the counselling room as a place for warmth and honest conversation. Shea aims to meet people without judgement and to work at a pace that feels right. He tends to balance depth with practical steps, and where suitable, allows moments of lightness to ease heavy topics.
If someone wants to begin, the process starts with a short matching questionnaire and scheduling through the directory. Sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time, and international clients are not taken at present.
How Shea’s approaches work online
Shea commonly draws on Client-Centred Therapy and Trauma-Focused Therapy alongside cognitive and solution-focused ideas. Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and creating a non-judgemental space so people can find their own solutions; it helps when someone needs acceptance and time to make sense of things. Trauma-Focused Therapy concentrates on understanding and processing traumatic memories and reactions, and is often used where past events continue to affect daily life.Choosing the right approach is a joint process. The therapist will talk with each person about their needs, goals and preferences and then decide together what to try. That might mean starting with supportive listening, adding practical strategies from cognitive work, or focusing more directly on trauma material depending on how comfortable the person feels.
Confirm the available session formats before booking, as the biography does not list specific options. Online therapy can make it easier to fit counselling into everyday life by reducing travel and allowing sessions to be scheduled around work or caring commitments. It can also suit shorter check-ins when time is limited, or quieter conversations when camera use is not preferred. Registered or accredited professionals can adapt their methods to work well at a distance and help people progress without asking for a particular in-person arrangement.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
4+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does this counsellor help with?
He works with issues such as stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, low self-esteem and depression, plus relationship, family and intimacy-related concerns.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
Shea uses a person-centred foundation and adapts methods to each person. He focuses on being heard first, then combines practical tools and reflection as needed.
What experience does he bring to sessions?
He has four years' experience and has worked in NHS mental health services, child protection, trauma services and suicide intervention organisations.
What credentials and location are listed?
He holds an MSc in Counselling and Therapeutic Communication with Professional Practice and a BSc in Sociology with Psychology, and is MBACP Registered and MNCPS Accredited, based in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are available for therapy?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the UK work with him?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How do fees and payments work?
Sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time; costs vary with location and therapist availability.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.