Shirley Banton , BACP

Shirley Banton is a therapist who combines a person-centered foundation with trauma-informed and transpersonal principles to create a respectful, collaborative therapeutic experience. She works at a pace set by the client, encouraging deeper self-reflection, meaning-making, and personal growth when appropriate. With 11 years of experience as a therapist and over 20 years working in further and higher education, she brings practical insight into anxiety, burnout, identity concerns, and the pressures faced by students, educators, and young adults.

Shirley tailors her approach to each person's needs rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model. She draws on a range of methods to support clients who are curious about themselves and willing to engage in reflective work. Her practice includes substantial experience supporting survivors of domestic violence and people affected by emotional, psychological, and relational abuse, including coercive control and long-term relational trauma.

Her work is suited to those who feel overwhelmed, stuck, emotionally exhausted, or disconnected from themselves and who want a steady space to understand patterns, rebuild confidence, and develop healthier boundaries. She holds BACP, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, which reflects professional membership and commitment to ongoing standards. Shirley offers online therapy and accepts international clients, making it possible to access her support from various locations.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Shirley brings together client-centered work and practical techniques to help people make meaningful change. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on creating a supportive, non-judgmental relationship where the client leads the pace and content of sessions - this approach helps with self-exploration, self-esteem, and relational concerns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers structured tools to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, which can be useful for anxiety, mood difficulties, and coping with stressful situations. Mindfulness Therapy encourages present-moment awareness and gentle self-observation, supporting emotional regulation and reducing reactivity in everyday life.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Shirley works collaboratively with each person to determine what fits best based on their needs, goals, and preferences. She tailors methods rather than applying a single model, and clients and therapists decide together how to proceed.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different schedules and communication styles. This range of options makes it easier to access a licensed professional from different locations and to continue therapy during life transitions or busy periods.