Shirley Rocks

• Grief and bereavement
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Poetry and journaling

About Shirley

Shirley Rocks helps people work through stress, anxiety, grief, relationship strain and issues linked to trauma, addiction and self-esteem using talking therapy and creative tools such as poetry and journaling. She is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and has four years' experience.

Shirley trained with the Mid Ulster Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapy and with Cruse Bereavement, which gave her a strong grounding in grief and loss work. She offers a respectful, non-judgemental space where people can talk at their own pace. Sessions may include guided writing or poetry when that suits the person.

Her practice draws on several approaches. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is used to clarify values and take practical steps despite difficult thoughts. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relational patterns affect current relationships. Client-Centred Therapy focuses on the person's own resources and perspective.

Shirley also uses Emotionally-Focused Therapy and elements of the Gottman Method when relationship patterns and emotional bonding are central concerns. She works with a broad range of difficulties including sleep and eating problems, panic and social anxiety, workplace stress and women's issues. Additional focus areas include body image, abandonment, guilt and shame.

People who work with her can expect conversational sessions that may include reflective exercises, journaling prompts and compassionate listening. She accepts international clients and conducts work in English. Sessions run on a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time, and fees vary with location.

How Shirley uses therapy approaches in online sessions

Shirley works with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people clarify what matters to them and take small practical steps even when thoughts and feelings are difficult. ACT is useful for anxiety, stress and low mood because it focuses on values and committed action.

She also draws on Attachment-Based Therapy to look at how early relationship patterns influence current connections and emotional responses. This approach can help when relationship difficulties, abandonment issues or attachment wounds are part of the concern. Client-Centred Therapy is used alongside these methods to centre the person's own perspective and strengths during sessions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Shirley will discuss goals and preferences and will help decide which methods to use together. The choice is made collaboratively and can change as therapy progresses.

Session practicalities should be confirmed before booking because the biography does not specify formats. When arranging sessions, consider what fits your life: shorter check-ins during a lunch break, video to allow face-to-face connection, or audio if you prefer not to be on camera. Many people find online work helps fit counselling into busy schedules without long travel times.

Topics Shirley lists

• Stress and anxiety
• Family conflicts
• Trauma and abuse
• Depression
• ADHD
• Addictions
• Relationship issues
• Grief
• Eating disorders
• Sleeping disorders
• Parenting issues
• Self-esteem
• Abandonment
• Attachment issues
• Body image
• Communication problems
• Guilt and shame
• Isolation and loneliness
• Life purpose
• Midlife crisis
• Narcissism
• Panic disorder and panic attacks
• Post-traumatic stress
• Self-love
• Social anxiety and phobia
• Women's issues
• Workplace issues

Ways of working

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Attachment-Based Therapy
• Client-Centred Therapy
• Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Gottman Method
• Mindfulness Therapy
• Solution-Focused Therapy

Questions about Shirley

Does she work with anxiety and panic?

Yes. Shirley lists anxiety, panic disorder and panic attacks among the concerns she helps people with.

What kind of counselling approach does she use?

She uses a mixture of approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centred Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy and elements of the Gottman Method.

How much experience does she have?

She has four years' experience working as a counsellor.

Is she registered with a professional body in the UK?

She is listed with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

Can I have sessions in languages other than English?

Sessions are offered in English.

Does she accept international clients?

Yes, she accepts international clients.

What formats are available for sessions?

Please confirm current session options before booking, as the biography does not specify which formats are offered.

How much do sessions cost and how are they paid?

Costs vary with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.