Robert Paynter

• Stress and anxiety
• CBT and ACT methods
• Addiction support

About Robert

Robert Paynter helps people facing stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem and other life changes using a mix of practical talking therapies. He works in English, Afrikaans and Portuguese and is registered with NCPS. He has ten years' experience as a counsellor.

He combines Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with person-centred and attachment-informed ways of working. Sessions focus on what is happening now, identifying patterns and trying small changes that make daily life easier. He also uses techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) when they fit the concern.

Robert has supported people with depression, anger, stress, LGBT issues, career concerns, compassion fatigue and coping with major life transitions. He also works with a wide range of related problems such as addictions, eating and food-related issues, chronic illness, caregiver stress, body image and communication problems.

His way of working is practical and conversational. He listens, helps clarify goals and offers tools and strategies clients can use between sessions. Sessions may include reflective discussion, structured exercises and skills practice to manage intense feelings and unhelpful thoughts.

Clients who choose to work with him complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule an initial session. Costs vary with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time. International clients are accepted.

How his approaches work in online counselling

Robert commonly uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in sessions. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing small changes in behaviour to reduce symptoms such as anxiety, low mood or anger. ACT helps people clarify values and accept difficult thoughts while committing to meaningful actions, which can help with stress, addictions and life transitions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The counsellor will discuss goals and preferences and adapt methods so they fit the client's needs. This is a collaborative process and approaches may be adjusted as therapy progresses.

Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm available options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit counselling into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins where needed, and remove travel time. They also make it possible to work with a counsellor who speaks English, Afrikaans or Portuguese even when living abroad. Registered or accredited professionals often offer these practical benefits to help therapy fit everyday life.

Topics Robert lists

• Stress and anxiety
• Addictions
• LGBT
• Relationship issues
• Depression
• Anger management
• Self-esteem
• Career difficulties
• Coping with life changes
• Coaching
• Compassion fatigue
• Abandonment
• Aging and geriatric issues
• Attachment issues
• BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture
• Body image
• Cancer
• Caregiver issues and stress
• Chronic pain, illness, and disability
• Codependency
• Communication problems
• Control issues
• Divorce and separation
• Domestic violence
• Drug and alcohol addiction
• Eating and food-related issues
• Emptiness
• Family of origin issues
• Family problems
• Fatherhood issues
• First responder issues
• Forgiveness
• Guilt and shame
• HIV and AIDS
• Hoarding
• Immigration issues
• Impulsivity
• Infidelity
• Isolation and loneliness
• Jealousy
• Life purpose
• Men's issues
• Midlife crisis
• Veteran and armed forces issues
• Money and financial issues
• Mood disorders
• Multicultural concerns
• Narcissism
• Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
• Panic disorder and panic attacks
• Polyamory and non-monogamous relationships
• Post-traumatic stress
• Prejudice and discrimination
• Process addictions
• Self-love
• Sex addiction
• Sexual assault and abuse
• Sexual dysfunction
• Sexuality
• Quitting smoking or vaping
• Social anxiety and phobia
• Workplace issues
• Young adult issues

Ways of working

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Attachment-Based Therapy
• Client-Centred Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Existential Therapy
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Jungian Therapy
• Mindfulness Therapy
• Motivational Interviewing
• Narrative Therapy
• Psychodynamic Therapy
• Solution-Focused Therapy
• Somatic Therapy
• Trauma-Focused Therapy
• Systemic Therapy

Questions about Robert

Does he work with anxiety and depression?

Yes. He helps people with anxiety and depression using structured talking therapies and practical skills.

What kind of counselling does he offer?

He offers a blend of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, person-centred work and attachment-based approaches, with elements of ACT and DBT where useful.

What experience does he have?

He has ten years' experience as a counsellor and has provided thousands of sessions since qualifying.

Where is he based and what are his credentials?

He works from the United Kingdom and holds NCPS as his listed credential.

Can I see him if I live outside the UK?

Yes. He accepts international clients and works with people from different countries and language backgrounds.

Which languages are sessions available in?

Sessions are offered in English, Afrikaans and Portuguese.

How much do sessions cost?

Costs vary with location; sessions are provided through a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I begin working with him?

Start by selecting the Talk to a counsellor online button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling a first session.