Colette Safhill , BACP

Colette Safhill is a BACP-accredited person-centred psychotherapist with twenty years of clinical experience. Trained at the University of Essex, she draws on a sustained commitment to person-centred practice, offering a calm, nonjudgemental space where each person’s concerns are welcomed and explored.

She has completed post-qualifying training in relationship therapy, trauma work, adoption and foster care issues, eating disorders, domestic abuse interventions, and EMDR - a specialized approach to processing traumatic memories. Colette works collaboratively with clients to address a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship and family issues, depression, LGBTQ matters, grief, intimacy, eating and sleeping problems, parenting, anger, self-esteem, career transitions, and coping with life changes.

Colette is accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), which indicates adherence to recognised professional standards in counselling and psychotherapy. She is fully insured and is qualified to work in person, by phone, and online. Her practice emphasises respect, steady presence, and tailoring of therapeutic approaches to the needs of each individual.

Approaches to therapy and how online sessions work

Colette often draws on client-centred therapy, EMDR, and relationship-focused methods in her work. Client-centred therapy emphasises a respectful, listening-based approach that helps people explore their feelings and build self-understanding at their own pace; it is often helpful for issues such as anxiety, low self-esteem, and life transitions.

EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing - is a trauma-focused method used to help people process distressing memories and reduce the intensity of traumatic symptoms; it is applied carefully and often alongside other therapeutic supports.

The Gottman-informed, relationship-focused elements of her practice address communication patterns, conflict, and intimacy concerns, offering practical strategies to improve connection and understanding between partners.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Colette works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adapts the plan as therapy progresses.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which allow for flexible scheduling and access from different locations. These formats make it possible to maintain continuity of care around work, family, or travel commitments, and to choose the mode of contact that feels most comfortable while working with licensed professionals and therapists.