Sheet 1
- CBT methods
- ACT techniques
- Mindfulness practice
About Sharmaine
BACP registered counsellor in the United Kingdom with four years' experience, Sharmaine O'Keefe helps people with stress, anxiety, parenting challenges, relationship and family concerns, grief, trauma, eating and body-image issues, and workplace difficulties. She also supports those facing fertility or pregnancy-related worries and people coping with major life changes or midlife transitions. Sessions are conducted in English and she does not take international clients.
Sharmaine trained to master's level and is a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Her background includes work in private practice, senior school settings and charities. Before qualifying she worked as a lawyer, teacher and lecturer, which she says influences her practical approach. She has lived and worked in several countries and draws on that experience when working with multicultural concerns.
Her practice is integrative. She combines elements from several approaches to suit individual needs rather than using only one method. She frequently uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to look at patterns of thinking and behaviour. She also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to explore values and committed action, and Solution-Focused Therapy for goal-led sessions.
Mindfulness techniques form part of many sessions, offering simple exercises to help manage stress and anxiety. Sharmaine describes a client-centred stance, meaning she listens and reflects rather than imposing a plan. Sessions aim to be practical and focused on steps a person can try between meetings.
Fees vary by location and sessions are provided through a subscription that can be cancelled at any time. To begin, prospective clients are asked to use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
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Therapeutic approaches used in online sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice their thoughts and connect with personal values to guide action. It is often useful for anxiety, low mood and life changes where someone wants to act despite difficult feelings.Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Sessions often include practical exercises and behavioural experiments to reduce symptoms like panic, social anxiety and low mood.
She also uses Solution-Focused Therapy for shorter-term, goal-oriented work that targets clear changes and steps forward.
Deciding which approach to use is collaborative. The therapist will talk through what feels most helpful and may combine methods. Clients and the therapist review progress and adjust the plan as needed.
Confirm the session formats before booking as the biography does not list specific options. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into daily life, for example by avoiding travel, allowing a shorter check-in between commitments, or using audio-only if video is difficult. Registered or accredited professionals can use these practical advantages to help clients attend more consistently and apply skills between meetings.
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Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
4+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Sheet 4
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she support?
She works with stress, anxiety, parenting, relationships, family issues, trauma and abuse, grief, eating and body image issues, workplace problems and related concerns.
What is her therapeutic style?
She practises an integrative, client-centred approach and adapts methods to each person. Sessions focus on practical steps and reflective listening.
How much experience does she have?
She has four years' experience working in private practice, senior school settings and charities.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is a BACP member and works in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions priced?
Fees vary with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I start with her?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the urgent help numbers.