- Client-centred care
- Compassion-focused approach
- Poetry and journaling
About Shirley
Shirley Rocks offers calm, steady support for people facing stress, anxiety, grief and life changes. She creates a warm, non-judgemental space where people can talk at their own pace and feel heard. Shirley uses a compassionate style to help people make small, practical changes and build emotional strength.
Shirley trained with the Mid Ulster Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapy and with Cruse Bereavement, experience that shaped her work with loss and transition. She holds BACP accreditation, which she uses to guide ethical practice and professional standards. Her background includes supporting people through addiction, sleep problems, low self-confidence and emotional overwhelm.
Each session is shaped around the person sitting in the room. Shirley blends client-centred techniques with approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and attachment-focused ideas to help people find clarity. She also draws on elements from emotionally-focused work and relationship methods when relevant to a person’s goals.
For people who like creative outlets, Shirley offers optional poetry and journaling exercises. These are gently guided and do not require any prior writing experience. Many clients find writing helps them name feelings and notice change between sessions.
Shirley aims to help people deepen self-understanding, increase emotional resilience and develop kinder self-talk. She supports practical next steps alongside emotional processing, so progress feels useful in daily life.
Approaches that guide online work and choice
Shirley draws on client-centred practice, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and attachment-informed ideas to shape online work. Client-centred practice focuses on listening and responding to what matters most to the person, which helps build trust and clarity. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses simple exercises to notice difficult thoughts and choose actions that match one’s values, useful for anxiety and low mood. Attachment-informed approaches look at how early bonds affect current relationships and emotional patterns, helpful when connection and trust are central concerns.Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Shirley will discuss goals, preferences and what feels most helpful, and then shape sessions to fit those needs. That way the work stays practical and personally relevant rather than purely theoretical.
Confirm the available session formats before booking as they are not listed in the profile. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions around work, childcare and travel. It can also allow shorter check-ins that suit a busy day, or sessions without video if someone prefers less bandwidth or a quieter interaction. Shirley aims to help people translate what happens in sessions into everyday life, so online work focuses on clear steps and real-world practice rather than only talking about feelings.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
4+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What issues does Shirley commonly help with?
Shirley supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, grief and trauma, as well as ADHD, addictions, relationship and parenting concerns.
What is her therapeutic style like?
She works in a compassionate, client-centred way that lets people set the pace. Sessions focus on practical steps and emotional understanding.
What is Shirley's background and experience?
Shirley trained with the Mid Ulster Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapy and with Cruse Bereavement, and has four years of experience working with adults through life transitions.
What credentials and location are listed?
She holds BACP accreditation and is based in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are accepted.
What session formats are available?
Please confirm current session options before booking as formats are not specified in the profile.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with Shirley?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.