Attachment-based Counselling in Cardiff

Photo of Dorottya Nagy, Counsellor, MBACP
Dorottya Nagy
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Cardiff CF10
You might look like you’re managing on the outside, but inside there’s persistent overthinking, anxiety, and a sense of running beyond capacity. I work with people who are mentally and emotionally exhausted and close to burnout, often shaped by long-term masking, people-pleasing, and high internal pressure to keep going even when it feels like too much.
You might look like you’re managing on the outside, but inside there’s persistent overthinking, anxiety, and a sense of running beyond capacity. I work with people who are mentally and emotionally exhausted and close to burnout, often shaped by long-term masking, people-pleasing, and high internal pressure to keep going even when it feels like too much.
View
Photo of Dr Jennifer Berrett, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Jennifer Berrett
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Cardiff CF14
Hi! I’m Jen, and I’m a Clinical Psychologist providing evidence-based therapy within a non-judgemental and compassionate space. My speciality is the perinatal period, with a focus on perinatal trauma (including birth trauma or trauma related to e.g. Hyperemesis Gravidarum; HG) perinatal mental health, and perinatal loss. I am passionate about providing safe and non-judgemental spaces for people to explore what they are finding challenging, whether this be their grief, mental health, transition to parenthood or trauma symptoms. My hope is to reduce any societal stigma a parent might feel, and decrease the need to self-silence pain.
Hi! I’m Jen, and I’m a Clinical Psychologist providing evidence-based therapy within a non-judgemental and compassionate space. My speciality is the perinatal period, with a focus on perinatal trauma (including birth trauma or trauma related to e.g. Hyperemesis Gravidarum; HG) perinatal mental health, and perinatal loss. I am passionate about providing safe and non-judgemental spaces for people to explore what they are finding challenging, whether this be their grief, mental health, transition to parenthood or trauma symptoms. My hope is to reduce any societal stigma a parent might feel, and decrease the need to self-silence pain.
View
Photo of Jennifer Campbell Kirk - Child & Adolescent Mental Health Therapist online, Psychotherapist, HCPC-Art Therap.
Child & Adolescent Mental Health Therapist online
Psychotherapist, HCPC-Art Therap.
Online Only
Hello, welcome. I can imagine how difficult it must be searching through the profiles trying to find the right therapist. Making the decision to seek help for your child/grandchild is a brave one and sometimes it can be difficult. I have been told by clients that I am calm, warm, welcoming, and approachable; and can put them at ease. I am a Child and Adolescent Therapist who specialises in 7-25 years olds who until recently worked in CAMHS for the NHS for over six years. I decided to work in private practice after seeing so many children whom I could help turned away by CAMHS or who were waiting a long time to get help.
Hello, welcome. I can imagine how difficult it must be searching through the profiles trying to find the right therapist. Making the decision to seek help for your child/grandchild is a brave one and sometimes it can be difficult. I have been told by clients that I am calm, warm, welcoming, and approachable; and can put them at ease. I am a Child and Adolescent Therapist who specialises in 7-25 years olds who until recently worked in CAMHS for the NHS for over six years. I decided to work in private practice after seeing so many children whom I could help turned away by CAMHS or who were waiting a long time to get help.
029 2010 4835 View 029 2010 4835
Photo of Melissa Moulden - Psychotherapy with Melissa, Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Psychotherapy with Melissa
Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
2 Endorsed
Cardiff CF11
You don’t need to have the words ready, sometimes we begin therapy only with the feeling that we want something to be different. We start where you are. I’m Melissa, and I'm a trainee Integrative Psychotherapist with the UKCP and the Welsh Psychotherapy Institute's Affordable Therapy Service. I aim to offer a warm, respectful, supportive and collaborative space where we can explore what matters to you. My practice is trauma informed, I prioritise safety and consent as we work with your past and present experiences.
You don’t need to have the words ready, sometimes we begin therapy only with the feeling that we want something to be different. We start where you are. I’m Melissa, and I'm a trainee Integrative Psychotherapist with the UKCP and the Welsh Psychotherapy Institute's Affordable Therapy Service. I aim to offer a warm, respectful, supportive and collaborative space where we can explore what matters to you. My practice is trauma informed, I prioritise safety and consent as we work with your past and present experiences.
029 2271 0620 View 029 2271 0620
Photo of Charlotte Deverell, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Charlotte Deverell
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
6 Endorsed
Cardiff CF10
A warm welcome. I am a dual trained Integrative Relational Psychotherapist, as well as a Clinical Sexologist & Relationship Therapist. I am a sex positive & inclusive practitioner. I specialise in helping individuals & couples of all orientations & genders with difficulties related to trauma, sex, intimacy, & relationships. This includes sexual trauma, abuse & childhood trauma, attachment wounds & chronic shame that impacts self-worth and connection. I also specialise in intimacy challenges, desire & sexual function issues, painful sex & performance concerns, communication breakdown & conflict, infidelity & betrayal.
A warm welcome. I am a dual trained Integrative Relational Psychotherapist, as well as a Clinical Sexologist & Relationship Therapist. I am a sex positive & inclusive practitioner. I specialise in helping individuals & couples of all orientations & genders with difficulties related to trauma, sex, intimacy, & relationships. This includes sexual trauma, abuse & childhood trauma, attachment wounds & chronic shame that impacts self-worth and connection. I also specialise in intimacy challenges, desire & sexual function issues, painful sex & performance concerns, communication breakdown & conflict, infidelity & betrayal.
View
Photo of Sam Black, Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Sam Black
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Online Only
Life's too short to be unhappy or unfulfilled. Therapy can help you learn and develop better ways to break through the obstacles that seem to be holding you back in life. Understanding links between your past and present, your patterns of behaviour and emotions enable us to move forward with understanding and self-compassion. I believe the past is always present, embrace the future by resolving patterns that no longer serve you. I consider the therapeutic relationship healing in itself and focus on creating a genuine healing connection. I offer a warm, secure, and confidential space to process, recover, heal and grow.
Life's too short to be unhappy or unfulfilled. Therapy can help you learn and develop better ways to break through the obstacles that seem to be holding you back in life. Understanding links between your past and present, your patterns of behaviour and emotions enable us to move forward with understanding and self-compassion. I believe the past is always present, embrace the future by resolving patterns that no longer serve you. I consider the therapeutic relationship healing in itself and focus on creating a genuine healing connection. I offer a warm, secure, and confidential space to process, recover, heal and grow.
View
Photo of Antonia Woods, Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Antonia Woods
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Cardiff CF11
Welcome! My name is Antonia. Searching for a counsellor that fits you as an individual can be an extremely daunting experience, but you have now taken that first step. My approach to Counselling is everyone is unique, therefore what works for one person might not work for another. I place great value on the power of the therapeutic relationship. I offer a free initial introduction call so you can ascertain if I might be the right therapist for you. Life can be challenging to navigate and can impact our ability as humans to cope emotionally. My goal is to walk beside you and guide you towards a good state of wellbeing.
Welcome! My name is Antonia. Searching for a counsellor that fits you as an individual can be an extremely daunting experience, but you have now taken that first step. My approach to Counselling is everyone is unique, therefore what works for one person might not work for another. I place great value on the power of the therapeutic relationship. I offer a free initial introduction call so you can ascertain if I might be the right therapist for you. Life can be challenging to navigate and can impact our ability as humans to cope emotionally. My goal is to walk beside you and guide you towards a good state of wellbeing.
029 2271 0063 View 029 2271 0063
Photo of Sarah Davies, Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Sarah Davies
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
1 Endorsed
Cardiff CF11
Do you ever find yourself wondering why you do the things you do? Maybe making tough decisions feels impossible, or you feel like you keep falling into the same old patterns that hurt you or others. It can be so frustrating to feel stuck. In my practice, I adopt an approach that believes you are not the problem. It’s the influences around you—the relationships, family dynamics, social circles, and even your environment—that shape your experience and well-being. This perspective helps to free clients from self-blame and creates a space where they can explore how external factors may have shaped their experiences, behaviours, emotions
Do you ever find yourself wondering why you do the things you do? Maybe making tough decisions feels impossible, or you feel like you keep falling into the same old patterns that hurt you or others. It can be so frustrating to feel stuck. In my practice, I adopt an approach that believes you are not the problem. It’s the influences around you—the relationships, family dynamics, social circles, and even your environment—that shape your experience and well-being. This perspective helps to free clients from self-blame and creates a space where they can explore how external factors may have shaped their experiences, behaviours, emotions
029 2167 9917 View 029 2167 9917
Photo of Nic Milone, Counsellor, UKCP Trainee
Nic Milone
Counsellor, UKCP Trainee
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Are you struggling with low mood, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, substance use or addiction? Are you trying to recover from a traumatic event(s) or relationship but find yourself overwhelmed, overthinking and self-analysing. Maybe you are in a difficult situation, seeking to understand what's happening and find the strength to move forward. You may identify as LGBTQ+ and/or neurodiverse and want to explore what that means for you or talk through your experiences.
Are you struggling with low mood, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, substance use or addiction? Are you trying to recover from a traumatic event(s) or relationship but find yourself overwhelmed, overthinking and self-analysing. Maybe you are in a difficult situation, seeking to understand what's happening and find the strength to move forward. You may identify as LGBTQ+ and/or neurodiverse and want to explore what that means for you or talk through your experiences.
01239 803018 View 01239 803018
Photo of Dr Lee Jonathan Priday, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Lee Jonathan Priday
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Cardiff CF14
Mental health difficulties can leave us feeling rejected, isolated and alone. This is a hard cycle to break, because we tend to manage our problems in ways that leave us feeling even worse. This is all part of being human. It affects our relationships, our sense of self and our ability to function on a day-to-day basis. It is at times like this that we need support. Someone who can help us to view our problems through a different lens and can help us develop the tools we need to break the cycle. Many people find that therapy is the key to managing their difficulties whilst leading more meaningful lives.
Mental health difficulties can leave us feeling rejected, isolated and alone. This is a hard cycle to break, because we tend to manage our problems in ways that leave us feeling even worse. This is all part of being human. It affects our relationships, our sense of self and our ability to function on a day-to-day basis. It is at times like this that we need support. Someone who can help us to view our problems through a different lens and can help us develop the tools we need to break the cycle. Many people find that therapy is the key to managing their difficulties whilst leading more meaningful lives.
029 2271 2210 View 029 2271 2210
Photo of Dr Ella Rafferty, Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Ella Rafferty
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Online Only
The clients I work with are elite performers dedicated to excelling in their field, whether it be sport, the arts, business, or high-stakes industry. They are committed to personal & professional growth, seeking to harness their full potential while maintaining emotional well-being. These individuals are ambitious & open to exploring all aspects of themselves to achieve sustained excellence. They understand the value of psychological support in navigating the pressures of top-level performance & I often become part of their ‘team’ when they are seeking to engage in a transformative process to enhance resilience, creativity & success
The clients I work with are elite performers dedicated to excelling in their field, whether it be sport, the arts, business, or high-stakes industry. They are committed to personal & professional growth, seeking to harness their full potential while maintaining emotional well-being. These individuals are ambitious & open to exploring all aspects of themselves to achieve sustained excellence. They understand the value of psychological support in navigating the pressures of top-level performance & I often become part of their ‘team’ when they are seeking to engage in a transformative process to enhance resilience, creativity & success
01446 506681 View 01446 506681
Photo of Dr Elinor MacCormac, Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Elinor MacCormac
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Cardiff CF14
Waitlist for new clients
I am particularly passionate about working with people who experience low self-esteem or feelings of shame and inadequacy, and to manage the impact of trauma/PTSD. I understand how devastating these feelings and experiences can be and I use a compassionate and trauma-informed perspective to understand and support my clients. I am experienced and passionate about gender and any related challenges and can offer a safe space to consider, discuss and explore gender and trans issues.
I am particularly passionate about working with people who experience low self-esteem or feelings of shame and inadequacy, and to manage the impact of trauma/PTSD. I understand how devastating these feelings and experiences can be and I use a compassionate and trauma-informed perspective to understand and support my clients. I am experienced and passionate about gender and any related challenges and can offer a safe space to consider, discuss and explore gender and trans issues.
01446 509847 View 01446 509847
Photo of Gail Duffy, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Gail Duffy
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Cardiff CF5
What might bring you to think about counselling? Having worked with families and fostered children for over 30 years I bring in-depth experience of therapeutic parenting and helping families to flourish. Counselling can provide you with a safe space to explore areas such as  Child loss, limiting beliefs, mindset change, anxiety, depression, anger management, low self esteem, confidence, family issues, challenges of parenting - along with many other areas that may be concerning you. You might want to find clarity for the future and set some goals through coaching sessions.
What might bring you to think about counselling? Having worked with families and fostered children for over 30 years I bring in-depth experience of therapeutic parenting and helping families to flourish. Counselling can provide you with a safe space to explore areas such as  Child loss, limiting beliefs, mindset change, anxiety, depression, anger management, low self esteem, confidence, family issues, challenges of parenting - along with many other areas that may be concerning you. You might want to find clarity for the future and set some goals through coaching sessions.
029 2167 9447 View 029 2167 9447
Photo of Bethany Jane O'Brien-Venus, Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Bethany Jane O'Brien-Venus
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Cardiff CF3
Hi, I’m Beth, a Clinical Psychologist who delivers therapy in a compassionate and evidence-based way, based on a highly personalised formulation (or map) of your difficulties. I work across the lifespan and my particular areas of expertise include working with PTSD and complex PTSD, OCD, low self-esteem, all types of anxiety, phobias, and depression, and ongoing distress following an episode of psychosis. I am confident with working with a wide range of challenges and difficulties, no matter how complex. Through a compassionate and collaborative approach, I would seek to enable you to grow, thrive, and make important changes.
Hi, I’m Beth, a Clinical Psychologist who delivers therapy in a compassionate and evidence-based way, based on a highly personalised formulation (or map) of your difficulties. I work across the lifespan and my particular areas of expertise include working with PTSD and complex PTSD, OCD, low self-esteem, all types of anxiety, phobias, and depression, and ongoing distress following an episode of psychosis. I am confident with working with a wide range of challenges and difficulties, no matter how complex. Through a compassionate and collaborative approach, I would seek to enable you to grow, thrive, and make important changes.
029 2271 1968 View 029 2271 1968
Photo of Dr Cassy Crabtree, Psychologist, HCPC - Forensic Psych.
Dr Cassy Crabtree
Psychologist, HCPC - Forensic Psych.
Online Only
Life has a way of piling onto us and sometimes its hard to recognize the effects of our experiences over time. This can lead to developing unhelpful coping skills in the moment, that are not conducive to a healthy and happy life. We need to adapt and find other ways of coping once the storm has passed, which can be difficult to do on your own. As a qualified psychologist, I have experience in working with inpatient and community settings over the last 6 years. I specialize in working with Personality Disorder (BPD, ASPD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD and CPTSD), and neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD, LD, Autism).
Life has a way of piling onto us and sometimes its hard to recognize the effects of our experiences over time. This can lead to developing unhelpful coping skills in the moment, that are not conducive to a healthy and happy life. We need to adapt and find other ways of coping once the storm has passed, which can be difficult to do on your own. As a qualified psychologist, I have experience in working with inpatient and community settings over the last 6 years. I specialize in working with Personality Disorder (BPD, ASPD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD and CPTSD), and neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD, LD, Autism).
View
Photo of Caroline Seaman, Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Caroline Seaman
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Online Only
I am a person centred, trauma informed HCPC registered art therapist who offers a bespoke approach to art therapy sessions, meeting you where you are at and working together to establish your goals and the direction of therapy. You absolutely do not have to be good at art to benefit from art therapy. It is much more about the process of making and your experience of using the materials than the final product. Art making can be a bridge to communication where there are no words, a way of grounding and creating space for mindful reflection.
I am a person centred, trauma informed HCPC registered art therapist who offers a bespoke approach to art therapy sessions, meeting you where you are at and working together to establish your goals and the direction of therapy. You absolutely do not have to be good at art to benefit from art therapy. It is much more about the process of making and your experience of using the materials than the final product. Art making can be a bridge to communication where there are no words, a way of grounding and creating space for mindful reflection.
029 2271 0155 View 029 2271 0155
Photo of Peter Hudson, Counsellor, MSc, MBACP Accred
Peter Hudson
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP Accred
Cardiff CF10
Coming to therapy can feel like a big step. At least it did for me! Most people at different times in their lives face problems that may seem insurmountable, seem to be recurrent or seem rooted in their pasts. Being with someone who can give you the space and time to explore yourself, your issues and your emotions can help bring about change. Often, I think, we come to therapy in order to discover the true reason why we have come to therapy. The source of the issue is not always apparent but in the supportive and facilitated space of our therapy sessions, the agency and self-healing abilities we all possess can be stimulated.
Coming to therapy can feel like a big step. At least it did for me! Most people at different times in their lives face problems that may seem insurmountable, seem to be recurrent or seem rooted in their pasts. Being with someone who can give you the space and time to explore yourself, your issues and your emotions can help bring about change. Often, I think, we come to therapy in order to discover the true reason why we have come to therapy. The source of the issue is not always apparent but in the supportive and facilitated space of our therapy sessions, the agency and self-healing abilities we all possess can be stimulated.
01446 501449 View 01446 501449
Photo of Katrina King, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Katrina King
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Online Only
I am a dedicated, conscientious, and empathetic professional offering a relaxed, confidential environment to help you address any difficulties you may be experiencing in your life. I have a warm, compassionate nature and a deep understanding of a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, bereavement, emotional abuse. Or simply a sense of being "stuck" or unsure of who they are. I also support couples who may be struggling with communication, trust, or emotional closeness. Together, we work on building a healthier ways of relating that encourage honesty, respect, and deeper connection.
I am a dedicated, conscientious, and empathetic professional offering a relaxed, confidential environment to help you address any difficulties you may be experiencing in your life. I have a warm, compassionate nature and a deep understanding of a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, bereavement, emotional abuse. Or simply a sense of being "stuck" or unsure of who they are. I also support couples who may be struggling with communication, trust, or emotional closeness. Together, we work on building a healthier ways of relating that encourage honesty, respect, and deeper connection.
01446 500432 View 01446 500432
Photo of Sian Erickson - Cohesian Consultancy , Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Cohesian Consultancy
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Cardiff CF24
If you are struggling with loneliness, stress, feelings of anxiety, guilt or shame we can work together to understand what has happened. We can explore how life and your experiences have impacted on you, your behaviours and your relationships. Understand yourself Improved confidence and self esteem Better relationships Improved mental health
If you are struggling with loneliness, stress, feelings of anxiety, guilt or shame we can work together to understand what has happened. We can explore how life and your experiences have impacted on you, your behaviours and your relationships. Understand yourself Improved confidence and self esteem Better relationships Improved mental health
01446 501490 View 01446 501490
Photo of Dominique Fester, Counsellor, MBACP
Dominique Fester
Counsellor, MBACP
Cardiff CF10
Warm, empathic, counselling from the heart of Cardiff. I am a qualified, (BACP) registered, humanistic and integrative counsellor from Bath Centre for Psychotherapy and Counselling (BCPC) with several years of on-the-ground experience. I have often worked with clients going through a range of difficulties including anxiety/depression, periods where they are struggling to cope or times where they are going through unexpected/significant life changes. My role is to support clients with any issues which they feel are impacting on their mental wellbeing and ability to find value, and meaning, in their lives.
Warm, empathic, counselling from the heart of Cardiff. I am a qualified, (BACP) registered, humanistic and integrative counsellor from Bath Centre for Psychotherapy and Counselling (BCPC) with several years of on-the-ground experience. I have often worked with clients going through a range of difficulties including anxiety/depression, periods where they are struggling to cope or times where they are going through unexpected/significant life changes. My role is to support clients with any issues which they feel are impacting on their mental wellbeing and ability to find value, and meaning, in their lives.
01446 501385 View 01446 501385

See more therapy options for Cardiff

Attachment-based Counsellors
Is attachment-based therapy the same as attachment therapy?
Attachment-based therapy may be confused with what is called “attachment therapy” (sometimes called “holding therapy”), a discredited and dangerous approach to treating children with attachment disorders, autism, or other mental health concerns. Attachment therapy—not attachment-based therapy—may involve restraining a child, forcing eye contact, and other coercive or abusive techniques. None of these practices are used in attachment-based therapy and the two modalities are in no way related.

What should I expect from attachment-based therapy?
Attachment-based therapy is based on attachment theory, which posits that children’s early relationships with their caregivers strongly influence their ability to navigate the world later in life. Thus, adults who seek attachment-based therapy should expect to deeply explore their childhood, identifying the dynamics or experiences that disrupted their attachment and the steps necessary to overcome challenges that arose as a result. Parents and children should expect to explore the possible factors that disrupted the parent-child relationship and work toward restoring trust and connection.

How long does attachment-based therapy last?
Certain forms of attachment-based therapy, especially those designed for parents and children, last for a set number of sessions; for example, Attachment and Biobehavioural Catch-Up, a specific attachment-based approach for young children who have undergone early adversity, unfolds over 10 one-hour sessions. When attachment-based therapy is practiced on adults or combined with other modalities, it may not last a specific length of time; clients may wish to ask prospective therapists how long they expect treatment to take.

Does attachment-based therapy work?
Most of the research on attachment-based therapy focuses on children and adolescents. Some of this research shows a positive effect, especially for attachment-based family therapy (ABFT). Other studies, however, have found that attachment-based therapy is no more effective than other approaches to childhood depression, anxiety, or suicidality. Less is known about the therapy’s efficacy on adult populations.