About Chris
Chris Orton is a counsellor who aims to help people who feel overwhelmed, stuck or unsure how to move forward. He works in a calm, respectful way and focuses on listening closely to what each person says. He encourages clients to notice patterns in their thinking, feeling and behaviour so they can make changes that feel right for them.
Chris uses a person-centred approach that privileges the client's experience and pace.
Background and approach
He stays alongside people as they talk through difficult emotions and life decisions, meeting them where they are. Chris also draws on existential ideas to help people consider meaning, choice and responsibility when life feels confusing. He trained and qualified at postgraduate level in Counselling and Psychotherapy and is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP.
Before independent practice he provided therapy in a university counselling service and worked with a diverse student group. Chris often supports people facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles and identity concerns, including matters related to LGBT experience and gender dysphoria. He also helps with bereavement, trauma, self-esteem, eating and career questions among other issues.
Sessions focus on developing greater self-understanding and practical ways to shift unhelpful patterns. Chris emphasises respect for difference and a non-judgemental stance so each person can explore what matters to them. He describes his role as a professional companion who listens, reflects and challenges gently when needed.
What Chris works with
Everything Chris lists, in their own terms. LGBT is the reason Chris is listed here; the rest shows what else Chris works with.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Self esteem
- Depression
- Coping with life changes
- LGBT
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Eating disorders
- Anger management
- Career difficulties
- Compassion fatigue
- ADHD
- Abandonment
- Avoidant personality
- Blended family issues
- Body image
- Commitment issues
- Communication problems
- Control issues
- Coping with natural or human-caused disaster
- Emptiness
- Family of origin issues
- Family problems
- Fatherhood issues
- Forgiveness
- Gender dysphoria
- Guilt and shame
- Impulsivity
- Isolation / loneliness
- Jealousy
- Life purpose
- Men's issues
- Midlife crisis
- Multicultural concerns
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Self-harm
- Self-love
- Sexual assault and abuse
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Workplace issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches Chris lists
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each counsellor names and does not check training records.
How therapeutic approaches shape online counselling
Client-Centred Therapy centres on the client's perspective and pace, with the counsellor offering attentive listening, reflection and empathy to help someone clarify feelings and decide what they want to change. This approach is useful for anxiety, low mood and relationship worries where being heard is an important first step.Existential Therapy looks at questions of meaning, choice and responsibility. It helps people facing big life decisions, identity questions or feelings of emptiness to weigh possibilities and act in ways that fit their values.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Chris will talk with each person about what feels helpful and adapt the style to suit their goals and preferences. That collaborative conversation helps decide how sessions will proceed and what to focus on.
If you are considering online therapy, check the available session options before booking. Confirming formats and practical details helps you fit counselling into everyday life, whether you need shorter check-ins around work, prefer not to be on camera, or want a quieter setting with less bandwidth. Many people find online work easier to schedule and better at balancing therapy with daily responsibilities, while still getting thoughtful, focused support from registered or accredited professionals like counsellors and therapists.
Questions people ask about Chris
What concerns does Chris commonly help with?
Chris works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and self-esteem difficulties, grief, trauma, identity and LGBT-related concerns.
What is Chris's therapy style like?
The approach is mainly person-centred and existential, focusing on listening, exploring personal meaning and supporting clients to find their own solutions at their own pace.
How much experience does this counsellor have?
Chris has three years of practice experience, including time working in a university counselling service before moving into personal work.
What are Chris's credentials and where is he based?
He is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP, and practises from the United Kingdom.
Can sessions be held in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does Chris work with people outside the UK?
He does accept international clients; confirm any practical details before arranging sessions.
How are sessions paid for and how much do they cost?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
What should I do to start therapy?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.
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