Profile

paulcullen.counselling.online

Phone

07394098833

Email

paul@thirskcounselling.co.uk

Website

www.thirskcounselling.com

About me and my practice

I offer online counselling to adults across the UK, providing a calm, supportive and confidential space where you can explore whatever may be on your mind.

You may be experiencing anxiety, stress, emotional overwhelm, low self-esteem, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, trauma, life changes, or questions around identity. You may simply feel stuck, disconnected, or unsure of what needs to change. Whatever brings you to counselling, you will be met with compassion, acceptance and without judgement.

My approach is person-centred and integrative. This means our work is shaped around you, your experiences and what feels most helpful. I believe the relationship between counsellor and client is central to meaningful change. When you feel genuinely heard, understood and accepted, it can become easier to explore difficult experiences, recognise patterns and begin to make sense of what you are carrying.

I work in a trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming and LGBTQIA+ affirming way. I recognise that identity, difference and lived experience can shape how we understand ourselves and relate to the world. I aim to offer a space where you can be yourself, without pressure to explain, mask or fit into expectations.

I will not rush you, judge you or tell you what to do. We will work together at a pace that feels safe and manageable, with respect for your choices and autonomy.

You do not need to have the answers or know exactly where to begin. We can start with what feels most important to you and take things from there.

Experience

I am a qualified integrative counsellor with a person-centred foundation. This means that our work begins with you: what you choose to bring, what feels important, and the pace that feels right for you.

I believe that you are the expert on your own life. My role is not to judge, direct or tell you what to do, but to offer a calm, compassionate and confidential space where you can feel heard, understood and supported.

Alongside my person-centred approach, I may draw on elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and solution-focused practice when they feel appropriate and helpful. This could include exploring patterns of thinking or behaviour, reflecting on beliefs that may no longer support you, or considering gentle activities between sessions. Any approach we use will be collaborative and shaped around your individual needs, preferences and circumstances.

My work is trauma-informed and neurodivergent-affirming. I recognise that people experience, process and communicate in different ways, and I aim to work flexibly without expecting you to mask, perform or fit into a particular way of being.

I have supported people in a range of settings, including family support services, schools, addiction recovery services and mental health organisations. These experiences have helped me develop an understanding of the many ways that relationships, identity, trauma, loss, wellbeing and life circumstances can affect how we feel and cope.

Wherever you are in your life right now, you are welcome to bring what matters to you. We can work together at your pace, in a way that respects your choices, experiences and individuality.

Qualifications

Diploma in Integrative Counselling
Advanced Practitioner in Online Counselling
Certificate in Clinical Supervision (Including Online Supervision)
Certificate in REWIND Therapy
Certificate in Trauma Informed practice
Certificate in working therapeutically with autistic clients

Additional Information

I will always aim to work in your best interests, with compassion, patience and respect. I sometimes describe my way of working as Piscatorial Therapy.

As an angler, I value the calm and stillness of being beside a pond. Fishing is not something that can be rushed. It involves patience, attention and a willingness to remain present while a connection gradually develops. I see the therapeutic relationship in a similar way.

Trust and connection do not always happen immediately. They can take time to grow, particularly when you may have felt unheard, misunderstood or judged in the past. My role is to offer a calm, supportive and confidential space where you can begin to explore what is happening for you at a pace that feels manageable.

Counselling is not about me telling you what to do or providing quick answers. You remain at the centre of the work. You decide what to bring, what feels important and how deeply you wish to explore it. The insight, understanding and changes that may d

Professional Membership

NCPS (Accredited Professional)

Professional Register

National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)

Verified by Counsellingo on Sunday, 22 March 2026

Initial Consultation

The free introductory conversation takes place online and lasts around 30 minutes. It gives us an opportunity to meet, talk about what is bringing you to counselling, and consider whether working together feels right.

There is no obligation to continue. It may be that I am not the right counsellor for you, or that another type of support would be more suitable. If this is the case, I will be open with you and, where possible, help point you towards reputable directories or other therapists who may be a better fit.

If we decide to work together, we can arrange your first counselling appointment. I will then send you a therapeutic agreement to read and sign before our work begins. This explains how we will work together, including confidentiality, appointments, payment, cancellations and data protection.

Fees

£50.00 per session

When I Work

Please enquire

Therapeutic Approach

Person Centred, Integrative

Video Platforms

Google Meet

Pronouns

He/Him

Area

North Yorkshire

 Show Paul's Details 

Profile

paulcullen.counselling.online

Phone

07394098833

Email

paul@thirskcounselling.co.uk

Website

www.thirskcounselling.com