Hello, I’m Paul Madden | BACP Accredited Online Counsellor
Updated: 5 days ago
Starting counselling can feel like a big step, especially if it’s your first time seeking support. Many people arrive at therapy unsure what to say, wondering whether their problems are “serious enough,” or feeling nervous about opening up to someone new. These feelings are completely normal.
I’m Paul Madden, a BACP Accredited Counsellor and Psychotherapist, offering confidential counselling for adults both in person from my private practice in Ashford, Kent, and online across the UK. I also work online with English-speaking clients internationally, including expats living abroad.
My background includes hospice and bereavement care, NHS sexual health and HIV services, LGBT+ support, and senior leadership within health and social care. Over the years, I have worked with people experiencing anxiety, stress, burnout, grief, relationship difficulties, emotional overwhelm, identity concerns, and the emotional impact of life changes and health diagnoses.
I understand that beginning therapy can feel unfamiliar or daunting. You do not need to arrive with the “right words” or have everything figured out before starting counselling. Therapy is simply a space where you can talk openly, reflect honestly, and begin making sense of what you are experiencing in a calm and supportive environment.
My approach is warm, grounded and non-judgemental. I work in an integrative and relational way, which means therapy is tailored to you as an individual rather than following a rigid formula or one-size-fits-all approach.
Some people come to counselling because they are feeling anxious, emotionally exhausted, stuck or overwhelmed. Others may be navigating grief, burnout, relationship difficulties, loneliness, low self-esteem, identity questions, or the emotional impact of sexual health concerns such as HIV or herpes.
If you prefer to meet face to face, I offer in-person counselling in Ashford, Kent, providing a private and confidential space where you can step away from everyday demands and focus on yourself.
Online counselling offers a different kind of flexibility, allowing you to access support from your own space wherever you are located. Many clients find online therapy easier to fit around work, family life, travel or living abroad, while still benefiting from a meaningful and confidential therapeutic relationship.
Some clients prefer the structure of meeting in person, while others feel more comfortable talking online. The most important thing is finding a way of working that feels right for you.
Above all, I believe counselling works best when people feel heard, respected and understood.
If you are considering therapy and would like to arrange an initial assessment or ask any questions before getting started, you are very welcome to get in touch.
Written by Paul Madden MBACP (Accred) is a BACP Accredited Counsellor and Psychotherapist with around 20 years of experience supporting adults through anxiety, grief and bereavement, relationship difficulties, stress and burnout, men's mental health, sexual health concerns, life transitions and the emotional impact of health diagnoses. He offers online, telephone and in-person counselling in Ashford, Kent.
Learn more about Paul and his approach →
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