Susan Claridge

Susan Claridge is a counsellor with eleven years' clinical experience and a long background in social care. She meets people where they are and helps them manage strong feelings such as anger, anxiety, grief and stress. Her manner is warm and respectful, and she aims to create space for people to talk through immediate problems and longer-standing worries.

Susan uses approaches drawn from client-centred therapy, psychodynamic work and solution-focused practice. That mix lets her focus on what is happening now, and also look at patterns that repeat over time. She adapts the way she works to match each person’s needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all method.

Her earlier career in social care spans over 30 years and includes supporting adults and carers in both community and residential settings. That experience informs how she responds to practical life pressures and caring responsibilities alongside emotional issues. It also includes work with survivors of abuse through charitable organisations.

Susan commonly helps people with depression, bipolar difficulties, relationship worries, addiction concerns, eating and sleep problems, and the stress of life changes. She also supports those coping with chronic illness, bereavement, attachment and abandonment concerns, and communication or control issues.

She is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, abbreviated BACP. To begin, she asks people to describe what they hope to change and then agrees a way of working that fits their situation and goals.

How these approaches work for online counselling

Client-centred therapy puts your own experience and choices at the heart of sessions. The counsellor listens closely, reflects what you say and helps you identify what matters most. This approach suits issues such as low self-esteem, anger and relationship worries where personal insight and support are needed.

Psychodynamic work looks at patterns that repeat over time and how early relationships affect current feelings. It can help when people notice recurring problems or when emotions feel linked to past experience rather than just the present moment.

Solution-focused therapy concentrates on small, practical steps and what will be different when things improve. It is useful for coping with immediate problems, managing stress, and setting short-term goals.

Finding the right mix is a collaborative process. The counsellor will ask about goals, what has or hasn’t helped before, and how you prefer to work. Together you will try ways of working that fit your needs and adjust over time if something isn’t helping.

If you are considering online sessions, confirm the specific session formats available before booking. Many people find online counselling easier to fit around work, caring duties and travel, and it can make short check-ins or weekly appointments simpler to manage. Registered or accredited professionals can often be flexible about session length and timing to suit everyday life.