Diane Stainton

Therapy for Mid & Later Life – Retirement, Loss, Relationships & Life Transitions (Online)

Mid-life and later life can bring profound change. Retirement, redundancy, divorce, bereavement, health concerns and caring responsibilities may unsettle long-established ways of living and raise difficult questions about identity, purpose, relationships and the future.

I specialise in counselling for people navigating transitions in mid-life and later life. I offer a calm, thoughtful and confidential online space where we can reflect together on whatever you choose to bring. I work alongside you at your pace, helping you make sense of your experiences so that new understanding and possibilities can emerge.

I also support couples adjusting to retirement and later-life change. Shifts in routine, independence, intimacy or shared expectations can place pressure on even long-established relationships. Counselling can provide a space to think together more openly and constructively about these changes.

Alongside this work, I support adults experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, career change, loss and periods of uncertainty.

I am an accredited counsellor with many years of professional and life experience. I have seen how thoughtful conversation within a safe and respectful relationship can foster greater clarity, resilience and self-understanding, particularly during times of significant change.

I work both short-term and longer-term- 

Some people come with a particular issue they would like support with over a limited number of sessions; others value a more open-ended space for deeper exploration.

I work online via secure video sessions -

Many people find online counselling surprisingly effective and appreciate being able to talk from the comfort and privacy of their own home. This can feel especially supportive for those with health concerns, reduced mobility, caring responsibilities or who live in rural areas.

I can usually offer an initial 50-minute online session within 24 hours.

I am currently available Monday to Thursday from 8am to 6pm. 

Therapy for Mid & Later Life – Retirement, Loss, Relationships & Life Transitions (Online)

I offer a calm, thoughtful and confidential online space where we can reflect together on whatever you choose to bring. I work relationally and collaboratively, listening carefully and helping you make sense of your experiences at your own pace.

I have particular experience supporting people through transitions in mid-life and later life, including retirement, redundancy, bereavement, relationship change, health concerns, caring responsibilities and questions around identity, purpose and direction. I also work with couples adjusting to retirement and later-life change.

Alongside this work, I support adults experiencing anxiety, depression, loss, relationship difficulties and periods of uncertainty or transition.

My approach is informed by many years of professional and life experience. I believe that being heard within a safe, respectful and non-judgemental relationship can help people gain greater clarity, resilience and self-understanding, particularly during times of significant change.

I work both short-term and longer-term with single adults and couples. Some people come with a particular issue they would like support with over a limited number of sessions; others value a more open-ended space for deeper exploration.

I work online via secure video sessions. Many people find online counselling surprisingly effective and appreciate being able to talk from the comfort and privacy of their own home. This can feel especially supportive for those with health concerns, reduced mobility, caring responsibilities or who live in rural areas.

I can usually offer an initial 50-minute online session within 24 hours.

The first session is a chance for us to meet, begin a conversation, and see whether working together feels like a good fit for you. If this is your first experience of therapy, it’s natural to feel unsure about what to expect. There is no expectation to know what to say or where to begin — we can start wherever feels easiest.

The session will be mainly a conversation. I’ll invite you to talk about what has brought you to therapy and what you’re finding difficult at the moment, and I may ask some gentle questions to help build a picture of your situation. This includes a light assessment of how things are for you emotionally and what support you already have. You are always in control of what you choose to share.

We will also spend some time going through the practical and contractual aspects of therapy, so you know clearly how the work is set up. This includes session length, fees, confidentiality and its limits, cancellation arrangements, and how we would work together. You are encouraged to ask questions at any point, and nothing is taken for granted.

As sessions are offered online, we will check that you feel comfortable using Zoom/ WhatsApp/FaceTime and that you have a private, quiet space where you can talk freely. I can offer simple guidance if you are unfamiliar with online sessions.

Towards the end of the meeting, we’ll take time to reflect on how the session has felt for you and discuss possible next steps. There is no obligation to commit beyond the first session, and it’s fine to take time to decide whether you’d like to continue.

The aim of the first session is to help you gain a sense of what therapy with me would be like and whether it feels right for you. 

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. 8am -6pm

Therapy for Mid & Later Life – Retirement, Loss, Relationships & Life Transitions (Online)

I offer a calm, thoughtful and confidential online space where we can reflect together on whatever you choose to bring. I work relationally and collaboratively, listening carefully and helping you make sense of your experiences at your own pace.

I have particular experience supporting people through transitions in mid-life and later life, including retirement, redundancy, bereavement, relationship change, health concerns, caring responsibilities and questions around identity, purpose and direction. I also work with couples adjusting to retirement and later-life change.

Alongside this work, I support adults experiencing anxiety, depression, loss, relationship difficulties and periods of uncertainty or transition.

As an accredited counsellor my approach is informed by many years of professional and life experience. I believe that being heard within a safe, respectful and non-judgemental relationship can help people gain greater clarity, resilience and self-understanding, particularly during times of significant change.

I work both short-term and longer-term depending on what feels most helpful for you. Some people come with a particular issue they would like support with over a limited number of sessions, while others value a more open-ended space for deeper exploration.

I work online via secure video sessions. Many people find online counselling surprisingly effective and appreciate being able to talk from the comfort and privacy of their own home. This can feel especially supportive for those with health concerns, reduced mobility, caring responsibilities or who live in rural areas.

The first session is an opportunity for us to meet online, begin to get to know one another, and explore what has brought you to counselling at this point in your life.

I offer a space where you can talk openly at your own pace. Some people arrive with a clear sense of the difficulties they are facing, while others simply know that something no longer feels manageable or as it once did. There is no expectation that you should know exactly what to say.

During this initial session, I will ask some gentle questions about your current situation, personal history and what you hope counselling might offer. This light assessment helps me understand your circumstances and whether I am the right person to support you.

We will also discuss practical matters such as confidentiality, how online sessions work, session arrangements, payment details and the counselling agreement or contract. There will be time for you to ask questions too.

The first session is not only about exploring your difficulties, but also about considering whether working together feels comfortable and helpful for both of us. A good therapeutic relationship is important, and finding the right counsellor matters.

Sessions last 50 minutes and take place online via secure video call. I can usually offer an initial appointment within 24 hours.