Deborah Steel

How I Work

In person: Sessions available in Barnard Castle (DL12) at Enterprise House.

Online or phone: Flexible sessions offered throughout the week

Initial consultation: A free 30‑minute phone call to help you get a feel for how I work and whether I’m the right counsellor for you

Each full session lasts 50 minutes. We normally begin with six sessions, then review progress together and decide whether to continue on an open‑ended basis.

Life can feel overwhelming at times — whether you’re facing anxiety, low mood, loss, trauma, or a sense of being stuck. My role is to offer a calm, accepting space where you can explore what’s really going on, without fear of judgment. Together, we work to unravel patterns, process difficult experiences, and reconnect with a stronger, more centred version of yourself.

I’ve been a practising counsellor for thirteen years and hold a BA (Hons) in Counselling. As a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), I follow their ethical standards to ensure your safety and wellbeing.

My approach is integrative and transpersonal — meaning I draw from several therapeutic models and work with the deeper aspects of human experience. This might include exploring meaning, identity, and purpose, as well as helping you reconnect with the essence of who you are beyond anxiety, fear, or self‑criticism.

Reaching out for support can feel daunting, but it’s an empowering first step toward lasting change. I’m here to walk alongside you in that process.

A Note from Me

Counselling is your space to be heard, understood, and supported — a place to find clarity and strength. If something in you feels ready for change, let’s begin the conversation.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or to arrange your free initial consultation

Areas I Can Help With

Stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout

Trauma, abuse, and loss

Relationship and intimacy issues

Self‑esteem, identity, and personal growth

Menopause, chronic health concerns, or life transitions

Therapeutic Approaches

I work collaboratively, drawing on elements of CBT, humanistic, psychodynamic, Gestalt, and transpersonal therapy to meet each client’s unique needs.

My first session details

Taking the first step into counselling can feel a little uncertain, so I aim to make your first session as comfortable and informative as possible. Our initial meeting is a gentle introduction rather than an intense assessment. We’ll talk through what’s brought you to therapy, what you hope to gain, and any worries you may have. I’ll also explain how I work, including confidentiality, session structure, and what you can expect from the process.

Before beginning ongoing sessions, I offer a free 30‑minute phone consultation so you can get a sense of how it feels to talk with me and decide if we’re a good match. If you choose to continue, full sessions last 50 minutes. Together, we usually begin with around six sessions, followed by a review to consider progress and future goals. You’re free to continue for as long as feels right for you.

I may ask a few background questions — for example about your health, current circumstances, and any previous therapy experience — to tailor the work to your needs. Above all, I aim to create a calm, supportive environment where you feel safe to begin exploring at your own pace. Your first session is the start of a collaborative process focused on your wellbeing, growth, and positive change.

I help clients with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & intimacy related issues among other issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. Our journey is collaborative to giving voice to your concerns and the changing you wish for yourself.

With 13 years of professional experience with a BA (Hons) in Counselling. I am a member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) and my approach is integrative and work in a transpersonal way - which means to explore human growth and help people discover a deep and more enduring essential self that exists beyond the conditioned ego. 

Please ask me questions.

I see clients face-to-face in Barnard Castle (DL12) on a Monday. On other days of the week I offer online sessions.

For new clients I offer a 30-minute initial consultation over the phone that's free of charge. This would give you a chance to experience how a session feels and if you are comfortable to work with me.

All sessions, whether in-person or online, last for 50 minutes.

In our first session we would talk about how I work, what your expectations of counselling are and any worries you might have. I would also ask a few questions about your general health and what brings you to therapy. We would then decide if I'm the right person for you.

Together planning six sessions with a review with the option of continuing in an open-ended way if you felt there was more to explore.