- Warm and curious
- Practical guidance
- Trauma-aware
About Shea
Shea McCartney is a counsellor who brings four years of practice to people seeking support. He holds BACP Therapist - Registered Member MBACP and NCPS Therapist - Accredited Member (MNCPS Accred) credentials and works from a person-centred, trauma-informed base. Shea aims to make first contact straightforward and calm for anyone feeling uncertain about therapy.
He adapts his approach to each person rather than following one fixed method. Shea draws on approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and trauma-focused work when they seem helpful. Sessions begin with listening so the person feels heard and understood without judgement.
Shea has worked in NHS mental health services, child protection, trauma response and suicide intervention organisations. That background informs his work with people facing anxiety, depression, trauma, bereavement and relationship or family difficulties. He is also experienced in supporting those experiencing self-esteem problems, self-harm thoughts and major life changes.
In the room he aims to be warm, curious and straightforward. He balances exploring painful material with gentler moments when appropriate, and allows the pace to be shaped by the person in front of him. Shea describes counselling as a collaborative process rather than giving prescriptive answers.
People often come for short-term, focused help or for longer therapy, depending on their needs. Shea encourages people to reach out when they feel ready and says it is a privilege to be invited into someone's story.
How therapeutic approaches translate to online work
Shea commonly uses Client-Centred Therapy and Trauma-Focused Therapy in his work. Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening, acceptance and responding to what the person brings, helping people find their own solutions. Trauma-Focused Therapy concentrates on understanding and reducing the impact of traumatic experiences, using careful pacing and grounding techniques to manage distress.Finding the right method is part of the process. Shea will talk with each person about goals, preferences and what feels most useful, then agree an approach together. This collaborative step helps shape whether sessions stay short-term and solution-focused or move into deeper trauma work.
If you are considering online sessions, please confirm current session options before booking as formats are not specified here. Online work can make it easier to fit counselling into a busy life, reduce travel time and allow for check-ins that drop into an ordinary day. It can also allow different ways to work through difficult material while keeping the focus on practical coping skills and emotional processing. Registered or accredited professionals can tailor sessions to your needs and preferences.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
4+ years
Credentials
Listed on profile
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What issues does Shea support people with?
Shea works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, low self-esteem and depression, among other concerns such as relationship and family issues.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
He uses a person-centred, trauma-informed stance and adapts methods to each person, drawing on approaches like CBT and solution-focused work when helpful.
What relevant experience does he have?
Shea has four years of practice and experience in NHS mental health services, child protection, trauma response and suicide intervention organisations.
What credentials and location are on record?
He is listed as BACP Therapist - Registered Member MBACP and NCPS Therapist - Accredited Member (MNCPS Accred) and works in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the UK work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How are fees and payment handled?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin sessions with Shea?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.