Debra Maxwell, BACP

Debra Maxwell is a counsellor based in the United Kingdom who helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief and life changes. She works with individuals coping with trauma, relationship and intimacy concerns, addiction, mood difficulties and issues like low self-esteem. Debra also supports people managing caregiver stress and challenges linked to health problems and major transitions.

She draws on a person-centred approach to build an open, non-judgemental space. That means sessions focus on the client’s experience and pace, with the counsellor listening and reflecting rather than directing. People often come away with clearer thinking about their feelings and choices.

Over 18 years of practice she has worked with a wide range of presenting issues, including sleep and eating difficulties, anger, workplace stress, and feelings of isolation or shame. She also supports people dealing with post-traumatic stress, dissociation, and recovery after sexual assault and abuse.

Debra uses the person-centred model as her core method but may introduce other tools and interventions suited to a person’s needs. Sessions aim to help clients explore emotions, test different perspectives and take steps that feel right for them.

She is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, listed as BACP. Sessions are offered in English and international clients can be supported. To begin, clients use the site’s Start Therapy process and follow the short matching questionnaire to arrange sessions.

How person-centred work adapts to online therapy

Debra’s primary approach is person-centred therapy, which focuses on understanding the client’s perspective through attentive listening and empathy. This method helps people who feel stuck, anxious, depressed or overwhelmed by life changes to name their feelings and consider new choices.

She may also introduce practical tools and brief interventions alongside a person-centred stance when these suit a client’s goals. These additions are used to help with specific problems like sleep, anger, relationship stress or caregiver strain rather than to replace the central focus on the client’s experience.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with the client to decide what feels most helpful based on needs, goals and practicalities. That conversation usually starts in the first few sessions and can be revisited as things change.

If you are considering online work, please confirm which session formats are currently offered before booking. Many people find online counselling helps fit therapy around work, caregiving and daily life because it cuts travel time and makes scheduling easier. It can also allow shorter check-ins or sessions without video if that better fits someone’s circumstances. Registered or accredited professionals can adapt their way of working so therapy stays focused on what the person needs.