About me
I'm a psychotherapist, a bestselling biographer and the founder of a bibliotherapy charity. I've spent my working life fascinated by people: their relationships, their families and the stories they tell about themselves. I bring that curiosity to therapy, along with deep clinical training and a lot of warmth. I take your difficulties seriously, but I don't believe therapy has to be solemn.
Who I work with
I work with adults, young people, couples and families going through the kinds of experiences that can unsettle any of us: marriage and divorce, changes in parenting, the empty nest, struggles in adolescence, miscarriage, menopause, bereavement, chronic illness, loneliness, relocation and other major life events.
These experiences can bring stress, conflict and uncertainty. Together, we explore what's happening, strengthen the relationships that matter to you, and find practical ways forward towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.
How I work
Most people I see come on their own. My training in couples and family therapy means I look at the bigger picture: not only what you're feeling, but the relationships and circumstances around you, and how they shape each other. Change in one part of your life often opens up change in others.
I draw on several approaches and use whatever fits you best:
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), a well-researched approach to strengthening close relationships
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), a clinically proven therapy for trauma and distressing memories
- Narrative therapy, CBT and other systemic methods
Training and registration
- PhD, University of Liverpool
- MA in Couples and Family Therapy, Arizona State University
- Trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
- EMDR training at The Meadows clinic
- UKCP registered, College of Family, Couple and Systemic Psychotherapy (no. 2011191708)
Writing, reading and wellbeing
Alongside my clinical work, I'm the author of biographies including The Real Jane Austen, Belle, Kick and Hardy Women. I founded ReLit: The Bibliotherapy Foundation, which promotes reading as a complementary therapy for stress and anxiety, and co-edited Stressed, Unstressed: Classic Poems to Ease the Mind. If it would help, I sometimes suggest a book or poem to accompany our work together.
A free first conversation
Starting therapy is an important step, and finding the right therapist matters. I offer a free 15-minute phone call so you can ask questions, tell me a little about what brings you, and get a sense of whether we're a good fit.
Taking the first step
Reaching out can feel like the hardest part. A free, no-obligation call is a gentle way to see if working together feels right.
Book a free 15-minute callOr call 01787 321874 · email drpaulabyrne@gmail.com