- Client-Centred approach
- CBT techniques
- Trauma-informed care
About Shea
Shea McCartney is a BACP Registered Member (MBACP) and an NCPS Accredited Member (MNCPS Accred) with four years' experience working in the United Kingdom. He works with people experiencing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, low self-esteem and depression, and he lists guilt and shame among his focus areas. Shea describes a person-centred, trauma-informed way of working that draws on several evidence-based approaches.
He aims for clear, ordinary conversation in sessions. He listens first, then matches practical tools to what a person need most. Sessions can involve talking through painful memories, looking at unhelpful thought patterns, or trying short experiments to test new ways of coping.
Shea has experience in NHS mental health services, child protection, trauma work and suicide intervention organisations. That background informs how he approaches difficult topics such as bereavement, domestic abuse, self-harm and relationship breakdown. He also notes work with first responders, caregiver stress, chronic illness and intimacy-related issues.
He combines Client-Centred methods with Cognitive Behavioural work and trauma-focused ideas. Psychodynamic and solution-focused techniques appear where they help. He says the therapeutic relationship matters most, and he balances straightforward reflection with moments of lightness when appropriate.
Shea holds an MSc in Counselling and Therapeutic Communication with Professional Practice and a BSc in Sociology with Psychology. His practice emphasises ongoing professional development and a collaborative approach to finding practical ways forward.
How his approaches translate to online therapy
Shea blends Client-Centred Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) within a trauma-informed frame. Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting so people can make sense of their experience; it helps when someone needs a steady, respectful listener. CBT looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and actions and offers practical exercises to test new ways of responding to guilt, anxiety or low mood.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Shea will discuss different methods with each person and decide together which ideas to try first. That collaborative stance means the approach can shift as needs or goals become clearer.
The original biography does not specify which session formats are used, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy around work, childcare or medical appointments, and they allow for shorter check-ins when needed. Registered and accredited professionals can adapt exercises, thought records and trauma-informed pacing to an online setting, so practical tools remain usable when meeting remotely.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
4+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he work with?
He works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, self-esteem, depression and related concerns such as relationship and family issues, anger, sleeping difficulties and compassion fatigue.
How does he approach feelings of guilt or shame?
He uses a person-centred, trauma-informed way of working that listens to the story first and then looks at thoughts and patterns that keep guilt or shame active.
What is his professional background?
Shea has four years' experience and has worked across NHS mental health services, child protection, trauma and suicide intervention organisations.
What credentials does he hold and where is he based?
He is a BACP Therapist - Registered Member (MBACP) and an NCPS Therapist - Accredited Member (MNCPS Accred) based in the United Kingdom.
Can I work with him if I live outside the UK?
Sessions are offered in English and he does not accept international clients at this time.
What formats are available for sessions?
The original profile does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How are sessions paid for and priced?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to work with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.