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John Ridley

John Ridley, BACP, NCPS

United Kingdom

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Counsellor - life purpose and relationships

  • Stress and anxiety
  • LGBT issues
  • Self esteem

About John

John Ridley is a counsellor registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and with NCPS, and has three years of professional experience in the United Kingdom. He works with people who are dealing with stress and anxiety, those questioning identity within LGBT+ contexts, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem and depression. He aims to help people who feel stuck after changes in work, relationships or health and are wondering what comes next.

In sessions he uses straightforward conversation and evidence-informed approaches. He draws on methods such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Attachment-Based Therapy to help people notice what matters to them and to try practical changes. Sessions are conversational rather than overly clinical, with a focus on usable tools and clearer choices.

John also works with a wide range of related concerns, including abandonment, attachment issues, body image, caregiver stress, chronic illness and disability, communication problems, commitment worries, and the effects of divorce or separation. He lists experience supporting people around addiction, avoidant personality patterns, autism and BDSM, kink and alternative sex culture topics.

His stated approach is respectful and sensitive. He adapts dialogue and plans to the person in front of him, and aims to be practical about next steps rather than promising particular outcomes. People can expect a calm, direct style that focuses on what they want to change and small steps to try between sessions.

How therapeutic approaches are used in online sessions

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice what matters to them and accept difficult thoughts or feelings so they can take actions that align with their values. It often suits people wrestling with direction, avoidance or low motivation. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and trying specific behavioural experiments to reduce anxiety and lift mood. It is useful for stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationship patterns affect current connections and communication, and it can help with relationship worries and trust issues.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss options and together they will decide which methods to try based on the person’s goals, needs and preferences. That decision is revisited over time so the approach can change if it is not helping.

The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm the options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed and remove travel time. It can also make it simpler to continue therapy when life events change routines. Registered or accredited professionals, including counsellors and therapists, often use online sessions to offer flexible ways to keep working on goals without adding extra travel or scheduling strain.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionForgivenessGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaVisually impairedWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

3+ years

Listed in

United Kingdom

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does he help with?

He supports people with stress, anxiety, LGBT+ concerns, relationship issues, low self-esteem and depression, plus related topics such as abandonment and caregiver stress.

How would he approach feeling stuck or directionless?

He uses conversational work and practical tools from approaches like ACT and CBT to help clarify values and test small changes in everyday life.

How much experience does he have?

He has three years of professional experience working in the United Kingdom according to the supplied profile.

What credentials and location are listed?

He is registered with BACP and NCPS and practises in the United Kingdom.

Which languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.

What session formats are available?

The original biography did not specify session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.

How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?

Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.

How do I begin working with him?

Start by selecting 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 crisis numbers.

John RidleyBACP, NCPS

Continue with John