Paul

Mr Paul Cullen

Counselor

I am Paul Cullen, a qualified counsellor and registered member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society. I offer online counselling to adults across the UK. You may be experiencing anxiety, low self-esteem, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, trauma, emotional overwhelm, or questions around identity and life changes. You may simply feel stuck, disconnected, or unsure where to begin. Whatever brings you to counselling, you will be welcomed with compassion, patience and without judgement. My core approach is person-centred, which means that our work begins with you. You choose what to bring, what feels important and the pace at which we explore it. I may also integrate elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and solution-focused practice where these feel helpful and appropriate. My work is trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming and LGBTQIA+ affirming. I recognise that trauma, identity, difference and lived experience can influence how we understand ourselves, communicate and relate to others. I aim to provide a space where you do not need to mask, perform or fit into somebody else’s expectations. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is central to meaningful change. Trust and connection may take time to develop, particularly if you have previously felt unheard, misunderstood or judged. My role is not to fix you or tell you what to do, but to listen carefully, remain alongside you and support you in developing your own understanding. I have supported people within family support services, schools, addiction recovery and mental health organisations. These experiences have strengthened my appreciation that every person brings a unique history, identity and way of experiencing the world. You do not need to arrive with the answers. We can begin with what feels most important to you and work together at a pace that feels safe and manageable.

This therapist profile is temporarily paused

Browse our list of available therapists to find someone who can help you.

Blue mascot character

Find A Therapist Near You

Finding therapists near you...

About Me

You may be experiencing anxiety, low self-esteem, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, trauma, emotional overwhelm, or questions around identity and life changes. You may simply feel stuck, disconnected, or unsure where to begin. Whatever brings you to counselling, you will be welcomed with compassion, patience and without judgement. My core approach is person-centred, which means that our work begins with you. You choose what to bring, what feels important and the pace at which we explore it. I may also integrate elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and solution-focused practice where these feel helpful and appropriate. My work is trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming and LGBTQIA+ affirming. I recognise that trauma, identity, difference and lived experience can influence how we understand ourselves, communicate and relate to others. I aim to provide a space where you do not need to mask, perform or fit into somebody else’s expectations. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is central to meaningful change. Trust and connection may take time to develop, particularly if you have previously felt unheard, misunderstood or judged. My role is not to fix you or tell you what to do, but to listen carefully, remain alongside you and support you in developing your own understanding. I have supported people within family support services, schools, addiction recovery and mental health organisations. These experiences have strengthened my appreciation that every person brings a unique history, identity and way of experiencing the world. You do not need to arrive with the answers. We can begin with what feels most important to you and work together at a pace that feels safe and manageable.

Approach

My approach is person-centred and integrative. This means that our work begins with you—what you choose to bring, what feels important, and the pace that feels right for you. I believe that the relationship between counsellor and client is central to meaningful change. Feeling heard, understood and accepted can create the safety needed to explore difficult experiences, recognise patterns and begin to make sense of what you may be carrying. My role is not to judge you, tell you what to do or provide quick answers. Instead, I aim to work alongside you with compassion, patience and curiosity. You remain at the centre of the process and are encouraged to make your own choices about what you want to explore. Alongside my person-centred foundation, I may draw on elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and solution-focused practice where these feel helpful. This might involve gently exploring thoughts, beliefs or behaviours, identifying recurring patterns, or considering small steps between sessions. Any approach we use will be discussed together and adapted to your individual needs. My work is trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming and LGBTQIA+ affirming. I recognise that identity, difference, trauma and lived experience can shape how we understand ourselves and relate to the world. I aim to offer a space where you do not need to mask, perform or fit into someone else’s expectations. I sometimes describe my way of working as “Piscatorial Therapy.” As an angler, I value patience, stillness and the gradual process of building a connection. In the same way, therapy cannot be forced or rushed. Trust often develops over time. You do the work and any insights or changes belong to you. My role is to listen, stay alongside you and offer a calm, supportive and confidential space where you can explore what matters to you.
Contact Paul

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

In-person & Online

Services

I offer online counselling to adults across the UK, providing a calm, confidential and supportive space where you can explore what may be happening in your life. People come to counselling for many different reasons. You may be experiencing anxiety, stress, depression, emotional overwhelm, grief and loss, trauma, relationship difficulties, life transitions, or questions around identity and self-understanding. You may also feel stuck, disconnected, or unsure where to begin. My particular areas of interest and experience include: • Trauma and the continuing impact of difficult past experiences • Anxiety, stress and emotional overwhelm • Grief, loss and significant life changes • Neurodivergence, including autism and ADHD • Identity and self-exploration • LGBTQIA+ experiences • Low self-esteem and confidence • Relationship difficulties and recurring relational patterns • Addiction, recovery and the impact of substance use • Homelessness, instability and experiences of social exclusion My practice is person-centred and integrative. This means that our work is shaped around you, your experiences and what you would like support with. I will work at your pace and will not judge, rush or tell you what you should do. Where appropriate, I may draw on elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and solution-focused practice. This might include exploring patterns of thought or behaviour, reflecting on beliefs that may no longer be helpful, or identifying manageable ways forward. Any approach we use will be collaborative and adapted to your individual needs. My work is trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming and LGBTQIA+ affirming. I recognise that trauma, identity, difference and lived experience can affect how we understand ourselves, communicate and relate to others. I aim to offer a space where you can feel accepted as you are, without pressure to mask or fit into someone else’s expectations. Sessions take place securely online, allowing you to access counselling from a private space wherever you are in the UK. I also offer a free introductory conversation so that we can discuss what you are looking for and consider whether working together feels right.

Services Offered:

  • Counseling

    A form of talk therapy providing a safe, confidential space to explore feelings, thoughts, and behaviours with a trained professional.

    Learn more about Counseling
  • Supervision

    Professional oversight for therapists and counsellors, providing guidance, ethical support, and reflective space for their clinical work.

    Learn more about Supervision

Works With:

  • Adults

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • Life Transitions

    Major life changes, such as relocation, retirement, parenthood, or career shifts, that disrupt routine and require psychological adjustment.

    Learn more about Life Transitions
  • Grief & Loss

    The emotional, physical, and psychological response to the death of a loved one or another significant loss.

    Learn more about Grief & Loss
  • Mood Disorder

    A category of mental health conditions, including depression and bipolar disorder, in which a person's emotional state is significantly and persistently disrupted.

    Learn more about Mood Disorder
  • Anxiety

    Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about Anxiety
  • Personal Development

    The ongoing process of self-awareness, self-improvement, and reaching one's potential, pursued not because something is wrong but to live more fully.

  • LGBTQI+ Support

    The unique psychological experiences of LGBTQI+ individuals, including identity exploration, coming out, discrimination, minority stress, and relationship dynamics.

  • ADHD / Attention Difficulties

    A neurodevelopmental condition involving persistent difficulty with attention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity that interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about ADHD / Attention Difficulties
  • Alcohol Use / Addiction

    A pattern of alcohol consumption that has become harmful to a person's health, relationships, or ability to function day-to-day.

    Learn more about Alcohol Use / Addiction
  • Autism (ASD)

    A neurodevelopmental condition affecting social communication, sensory processing, and behaviour patterns, with a wide range of presentations and strengths.

Professional Title:

  • Counselor

    A trained professional who provides talk therapy to help clients work through emotional, relational, and psychological difficulties.

Credentials

Registrations

Mindspace Foundation; National Counseling Society

Clinical Counsellor; Supervisor

Qualifications

Level 4 Diploma in Counselling

Bolton Community College

Year: 2007

Level 1 Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling

Counselling Tutor

Year: 2020

Certificate in Supervision including Online and Telephone Counselling

Counselling Tutor

Year: 2021

Service Areas

Thirsk Counselling and Supervision Services (Online)

In-person & Online

Town Cent, North Yorkshire

United Kingdom

Town Cent, United Kingdom