Annette O'Brien

I currently have availability and offer flexible appointment times to suit both my clients and myself. Please note that I will be on annual leave from 1st to 9th September 2026.

I’m an integrative counsellor and my approach is centred on you as an individual. I draw primarily on Person-Centred and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approaches, bringing these together and tailoring therapy to your needs, rather than following a one-size-fits-all model.

I believe that feeling safe, heard and accepted is an important part of counselling. I offer a warm, compassionate and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly about whatever has brought you to therapy. You do not need to have everything worked out before you begin, and you can take things at a pace that feels manageable for you.

My role is not to tell you what to do, but to walk alongside you with empathy, curiosity and respect as you make sense of your experiences. Together, we can explore difficult thoughts and emotions, recognise your strengths and consider what may help you move forward.

Where appropriate, I can also introduce practical strategies to help you manage anxiety, difficult thoughts and overwhelming emotions. I will always aim to work collaboratively with you, taking into account what feels helpful and meaningful for you.

I have a particular interest in complex grief, baby loss, stillbirth and suicide bereavement. My understanding of these areas is informed by extensive academic study, continuing professional development and personal experience. My dissertation explored complex grief and the stigma surrounding stillbirth, and I have undertaken extensive CPD relating to grief and bereavement. I understand that grief does not follow a timetable, and there is no pressure within therapy to have 'moved on'. I also support parents of transgender, non-binary or questioning loved ones, offering a confidential space to explore the complex emotions that can arise.

I offer online counselling to adults who may be experiencing grief, loss, bereavement, anxiety, relationship difficulties, changes in identity or significant life transitions. 

Some losses and life experiences can be difficult for others to understand. You may feel isolated, overwhelmed, uncertain about the future or unsure where to turn. You may also be carrying emotions that seem difficult to talk about with family or friends. Counselling can provide a confidential, non-judgemental place to explore these feelings safely and honestly.

I offer online sessions via WhatsApp, Microsoft Teams or Google Meet, so you can access support from wherever you feel most comfortable. Sessions are one hour and cost £50. I also offer a free 15-minute online or telephone consultation, giving you an opportunity to ask any questions before deciding whether counselling with me feels right for you.

I hold a BA (Hons) First Class in Counselling and an additional qualification in Children & Young People’s Counselling, and I am a Â鶹ԭ´´ Registered Member (MÂ鶹ԭ´´).

If you recognise yourself in what I have described, you are very welcome to get in touch. 

Our first step is a free 15-minute online or telephone consultation. Choosing a counsellor is an important decision, so I offer this short conversation as an opportunity for us to meet, talk briefly about what has brought you to counselling and for you to ask any questions you may have. It also gives us the chance to see whether you feel I may be the right counsellor for you. There is no pressure or obligation to continue.

If you decide you would like to work with me, we can arrange your first counselling session online. Sessions last one hour and cost £50.

In our first session, there is no expectation that you will have everything worked out or know exactly what you need. We can take time to talk about what has brought you to counselling, what you are experiencing now and what you would like support with. I will listen with compassion, curiosity and without judgement, at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

I believe the therapeutic relationship is an important part of counselling. My role is not to tell you what to do, but to walk alongside you as we begin to understand your experiences and consider what may help. We can work together to identify what you need from counselling and, where appropriate, explore practical ways of managing difficult thoughts, emotions or life circumstances.

If you are experiencing grief or loss, there is no timetable for how you should feel, and no pressure to have 'moved on'. My aim is to offer a safe, confidential and accepting space where you can be yourself and feel truly heard.