Anne-Marie Bates

Anne-Marie Bates is a counsellor registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and has 12 years of professional experience in the United Kingdom. She works with people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship and family difficulties, depression and low self-esteem. Her practice includes support for concerns such as body image, midlife questions and feelings of emptiness or isolation. Anne-Marie speaks English and works with adults looking for practical help and clearer direction in their lives.

She began her career supporting students and staff at a college of higher education and has since worked in private practice with clients from a range of backgrounds. In sessions she listens to what matters most to each person and uses a mix of client-centred listening, cognitive behavioural ideas and solution-focused techniques. That means conversations are grounded in real problems, with attention to thoughts, behaviours and small practical steps.

Anne-Marie pays attention to relationship patterns, communication breakdowns and problems that arise from guilt, shame or struggles with self-worth. She can help people who feel stuck after changes in work or family life, or who are questioning their purpose and what comes next. Sessions typically involve clear goals, short-term strategies and regular review of progress.

Her professional registration is with the BACP. Costs vary with location and sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time. For people wanting to begin, the next step is to use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.

Anne-Marie aims to make sessions straightforward and focused. She works with clients to identify immediate steps and longer term adjustments, so people leave with practical ideas they can try between sessions.

How her approaches work in online sessions

Anne-Marie draws on client-centred work and cognitive behavioural therapy to shape online sessions. Client-centred work involves listening closely to what a person says and helping them clarify their own priorities; it suits people who want reflective space to think through choices. Cognitive behavioural therapy looks at how thoughts and behaviours interact and uses practical exercises to reduce anxiety, change unhelpful thinking and build small new habits.

She also uses solution-focused techniques that concentrate on immediate next steps and realistic goals. That approach is useful when someone wants short-term progress, such as clearer communication, reduced worry or practical moves around work and relationships. Deciding which approach to use is a collaborative process. The therapist and client review goals together and adjust methods based on what feels most helpful and achievable.

Confirm the exact session options before booking because the biography does not list formats. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week - for example a shorter check-in during a lunch break, or a telephone conversation if video is difficult. Registered or accredited professionals can use different ways of meeting, so check the available formats and pick the one that best fits your schedule and daily routine.