Paul Dent, BACP

Paul Dent is a counsellor based in the United Kingdom who helps people dealing with stress, anxiety, addiction, trauma and intimacy-related concerns. He also supports those facing grief, relationship difficulties, mood problems such as depression and bipolar, and challenges around self-esteem and parenting. Paul works with people who are exploring identity, including LGBT issues, and those managing work stress, compassion fatigue or neurodiverse traits such as autism and ADHD.

Paul has a background of 12 years working in therapeutic settings and holds BACP registration. He takes a practical, person-focused approach that treats the client as the expert on their life. Sessions begin by identifying what matters most to the client and setting clear, reviewable goals to track progress.

In the room he uses techniques from Client-Centred Therapy to create a respectful, listening space. He pairs that with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy ideas to spot patterns of thinking and behaviour that keep problems going. Motivational Interviewing is used when people want help with change, for example around substance use or habits.

Paul also draws on Narrative and Existential approaches to help people look at the stories they tell about themselves and find meaning amid difficult events. He works with relationship issues using the Gottman Method to address communication and connection where appropriate. His style is collaborative and straight-talking, focused on small practical steps as well as understanding.

People who choose Paul can expect regular review of aims and a focus on day-to-day changes that make life feel more manageable. He is open to clients from the UK and internationally and conducts work in English. To begin, clients complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule sessions according to availability.

Therapeutic approaches and how online sessions can help

Paul uses Client-Centred Therapy to create a listening space where the client guides the pace and focus, which helps people who need acceptance and understanding. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is used to spot and change unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns, useful for anxiety, stress and mood difficulties. Existential Therapy helps people facing big life questions to clarify values and meaning when coping with change or loss.

Choosing the right approach is often part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences and what feels most useful, then adapt methods as progress is reviewed. That collaboration helps tailor sessions to a person's unique situation rather than applying a one-size-fits-all method.

Confirm the available session formats before booking because the biography does not list them explicitly. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions around work and family life, reduce travel time and allow for quieter check-ins or shorter meetings when needed. Many people find remote sessions helpful for keeping continuity of care when moving location or managing a busy schedule.