Shirley Banton , BACP

Shirley Banton is a BACP-accredited therapist who blends a person-centred foundation with transpersonal principles and a trauma-informed stance to support meaningful personal growth. BACP refers to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, the professional body for counsellors and psychotherapists in the United Kingdom. Her practice emphasises collaboration, respect for each person’s pace, and a focus on emotional safety while also encouraging deeper self-reflection and exploration of personal meaning.

She adapts a range of therapeutic methods to suit individual needs rather than offering a one-size-fits-all programme, working best with people who are curious about themselves and willing to engage with therapy at their own speed. Shirley brings specific expertise supporting survivors of domestic violence and those affected by emotional and relational abuse, including coercive control and long-term relational trauma.

In addition to 11 years of therapeutic experience, she has over 20 years of experience in further and higher education, which informs her understanding of anxiety, burnout, identity concerns, and the pressures faced by students, educators, and young adults in transition. Her work is well suited to people who feel overwhelmed, stuck, emotionally exhausted, or disconnected and who want a steady, reflective space to understand patterns, rebuild confidence, and strengthen boundaries.

Shirley offers online therapy and accepts international clients, providing ongoing, considered support rather than quick fixes or directive coaching. If someone is ready to slow down, be heard, and begin to make sense of what they are carrying, she can offer a calm and grounded therapeutic presence.

Approaches that guide online therapy and practical benefits

Shirley commonly draws on client-centred therapy, which concentrates on creating an accepting, nonjudgemental space where the person’s own goals and pace guide the work - this approach helps with building self-awareness, confidence, and stronger boundaries. She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a practical method that helps people identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns, often useful for anxiety, low mood, and coping with life changes. Mindfulness therapy is another strand she integrates, teaching simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and support emotional regulation.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Shirley works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the focus over time rather than sticking to a single model.

Online therapy with Shirley is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different lifestyles and needs. These options make it easier to access consistent support from licensed professionals without the need to travel, and they allow people to continue therapy through life transitions, relocation, or when scheduling constraints arise.