My Therapeutic Approach
I work primarily from a Person-Centred foundation, integrated with Transpersonal therapy principles, and I am fully Trauma-Informed. This means our work is collaborative, respectful of your pace, and grounded in emotional safety—while also supporting deeper self-reflection, meaning-making, and personal growth where appropriate.
I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches, tailored to your individual needs rather than a one-size-fits-all model. I work best with clients who are open to reflection, curious about themselves, and willing—at their own pace—to engage with the therapeutic process.
Experienced Support for Complex and Relational Difficulties
I have extensive experience supporting survivors of domestic violence and individuals affected by emotional, psychological, and relational abuse, including coercive control and long-term relational trauma. I also bring over 20 years’ experience in further and higher education, giving me a strong understanding of anxiety, burnout, identity issues, and pressure commonly experienced by students, educators, and young adults navigating transitions.
My work is particularly suited to clients who feel overwhelmed, stuck, emotionally exhausted, or disconnected from themselves—and who want a supportive space to understand patterns, rebuild confidence, and develop healthier boundaries.
Is This the Right Space for You?
You may be a good fit for working with me if you are seeking:
Support with trauma, anxiety, low self-worth, or relational patterns
A therapist who works gently but honestly, without judgement
A space that values emotional depth, reflection, and personal meaning
Consistent, confidential support rather than quick fixes
If you are looking for immediate solutions, advice-giving, or purely directive coaching, my approach may not be the right fit.
Take the First Step Towards Well-being
You don’t have to carry everything alone. Reaching this page already shows courage and self-awareness. Therapy with me offers a calm, supportive space where you can slow down, feel heard, and begin to make sense of what you’re carrying.
I offer online therapy, making it easier to access support wherever you are. If you feel ready to work towards greater clarity, emotional stability, and a more grounded sense of self, I would be honoured to walk alongside you.
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, LGBT, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Abandonment, Aging and geriatric issues, Antisocial personality, Attachment issues, Avoidant personality, Blended family issues, Body image, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, Dependent personality, Dissociation, Domestic violence, Eating and food-related issues, Emptiness, Family problems, Fertility issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Immigration issues, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Money and financial issues, Multicultural concerns, Narcissism, Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Personality disorders, Phobias, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy and childbirth, Prejudice and discrimination, Self-harm, Self-love, Sexual assault and abuse, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
BACP Therapist - Registered Member MBACP (Accred) #394272
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Shirley Banton. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Shirley has been such a wonderful therapist. She’s a great listener and truly knows how to hold space with care and compassion. She has been supporting me through different moments, always meeting me where I’m at. I feel heard, understood, and encouraged to grow at my own pace. I’m really grateful for her insight, warmth, and steady presence. Highly recommend her to others.
Written on Nov 05, 2025 after therapy with Shirley for 2 years and 7 months on issues concerning depression, family conflicts, grief, and coping with life changes
Shirley is both a great listener and very intuitive.
I have really enjoyed our sessions.
Written on Oct 09, 2025 after therapy with Shirley for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, sleeping disorders, and career difficulties
My therapist has helped me manage the current issues and is very understanding and supportive. I highly recommend her.
Written on Feb 07, 2025 after therapy with Shirley for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and grief
Shirley is very attentive and focuses on the issues that needs addressing.
Written on Jan 28, 2025 after therapy with Shirley for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues
Professional, empathetic, caring.
This is my first time in therapy. I needed someone gentle, someone who is easy to talk to, and creates such a safe non-judgmental environment. Shirley is and does all of these things. Has made this such a positive life changing experience and I couldn’t thank her and Better help more.
Written on Dec 25, 2024 after therapy with Shirley for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and intimacy-related issues
Shirley listens to me and has helped me identify how I can overcome some of my issues. She’s supportive and reassures me, it’s really nice to finally talk openly without being judged. Highly recommend and huge thanks to Shirley.
Written on Dec 11, 2024 after therapy with Shirley for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd