- Stress and anxiety
- Trauma and grief
- CBT and psychodynamic
About Shea
Shea McCartney is a BACP Therapist (Registered Member MBACP) and NCPS Therapist (Accredited Member MNCPS Accred) practising in the United Kingdom with four years' experience. He works with people facing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, low self-esteem and depression. He also supports clients navigating relationship and family concerns, parenting strain, career questions, and life changes that leave them unsure what comes next.
He describes his work as person-centred and trauma-informed, using a mix of approaches rather than a single method. Sessions start with listening. He aims to understand the story being told before using techniques from different models when they seem helpful.
Shea draws on experience from NHS mental health settings, child protection work, trauma services and suicide intervention organisations. That background informs his practical handling of trauma, bereavement, domestic abuse and self-harm concerns. He has supported people through major life transitions and long-standing emotional difficulties.
In practice he focuses on clear, straightforward conversations about what is causing distress and what might help. He uses evidence-based methods such as cognitive-behavioural ideas and trauma-focused techniques alongside psychodynamic and solution-focused ways of working. Sessions can include exploring past events, testing new ways of thinking, and setting short steps to try between meetings.
Shea holds an MSc in Counselling and Therapeutic Communication with Professional Practice and a BSc in Sociology with Psychology. He also has specialist training in trauma-informed counselling for children and young people. To begin, clients complete a brief matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.
Therapeutic approaches and online working
Shea commonly uses client-centred work and cognitive behavioural ideas. Client-centred work means the therapist listens with interest and helps people find their own answers rather than giving instructions. Cognitive behavioural techniques focus on patterns of thinking and behaviour and can be useful for stress, anxiety and low mood.He also draws on trauma-focused and psychodynamic ideas when past events or recurring patterns are important. Trauma-focused work looks at how distressing events affect daily life and teaches ways to reduce their impact. Psychodynamic ideas help identify repeating relationship patterns and feelings that come from earlier experiences.
Finding the right approach is part of the process. Shea works collaboratively to decide which methods to use, taking into account a person's needs, goals and preferences. That means sessions can change over time as different strategies are tried and checked.
The original biography does not list specific online formats, so please confirm available session types before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions around work or family commitments, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. Registered and accredited professionals can adapt these approaches to remote sessions so therapeutic work fits into everyday life.
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 concerns does he work with?
He works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, low self-esteem and depression. Relationship, family, parenting and career issues are also listed areas of support.
How would he describe his therapeutic style?
His work is person-centred and trauma-informed, combining listening with practical methods. He draws on different approaches depending on what a client needs.
What is his professional background?
He has four years' experience and has worked in 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), working in the United Kingdom.
Can sessions be held in other languages or with international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. He does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not specify session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working 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, use the crisis numbers.