Claire Cotgrove

Claire Cotgrove is a BACP counsellor who offers a calm, non-judgemental space for people exploring sexuality, gender and neurodivergence. She aims to listen without pressure and help clients feel more accepted, understood and able to move forward. Claire writes plainly and compassionately, so sessions focus on what matters to the individual.

Claire works from a person-centred perspective, which means she follows the client’s pace and priorities. Conversations centre on the client’s experience, and the counsellor mirrors that with warmth and acceptance. Creative methods may also be offered when they help someone express difficult feelings.

Her practice includes supporting people affected by trauma, coercive or abusive relationships, and issues around shame, guilt and identity. She also helps with relationship difficulties, loss and transitions, and concerns linked to neurodivergence such as autism and attention differences.

Claire brings three years of counselling experience alongside life experience that informs her approach. She describes the work as walking alongside people while they make sense of painful memories or confusing times in their lives. The emphasis is on gradual change and clearer self-understanding.

Sessions are aimed at making space for what the client brings and helping them build skills to cope day to day. People often use this time to make practical plans, practise new ways of communicating, or work through past hurts at a pace that feels safe to them.

How Claire’s approaches work online

Client-centred therapy focuses on the relationship in the room. The counsellor listens with empathy and follows the client’s lead, helping the person feel heard and valued. This approach is helpful for identity concerns, self-esteem and making decisions about relationships or life changes.

Trauma-focused therapy pays attention to the impact of past harm on current life. It offers ways to talk through painful memories and reduce the intensity of distressing reactions. This approach is often chosen by people who have experienced abuse, coercion or repeated hurt.

Choosing an approach is normally a collaborative process. Claire will work together with each person to find what fits best based on needs, goals and preferences. That may mean trying different ways of working and checking in regularly about progress.

If you are considering online sessions, confirm the specific session formats available before booking. Many people find online work helps fit therapy into a busy life because it can save travel time, allow shorter check-ins around work, or make it easier to attend if mobility or health are concerns. Speak with the service to learn which formats are offered and how they might suit your routine.