Lee Whelan

Lee Whelan is a counsellor who brings a long history of work in substance misuse support and related settings. He holds BACP accreditation, and he draws on years of experience supporting people through grief, addiction, relationship concerns and major life changes. Lee aims to meet people with plain talk and steady presence so they can start to feel less stuck.

Before moving into counselling roles, Lee worked across health education and the justice system. Those roles deepened his understanding of how different parts of life affect wellbeing. He has also worked directly with adults and young people in substance misuse services, and that background shapes how he approaches difficult topics like drug and alcohol problems and recovery.

In sessions he uses practical, conversational methods rather than jargon. He often draws on attachment ideas to look at relationship patterns, and on cognitive behavioural tools to help change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours. Motivational ways of working are used when people are weighing change or struggling with substance use.

People who come to Lee often want clear, realistic steps alongside reflective conversations. He supports those facing anxiety, depression, eating and intimacy concerns, and people coping with bereavement or compassion fatigue. Lee also works with issues such as ADHD, trauma, family of origin problems and communication difficulties.

His style is collaborative and down-to-earth. Lee helps people weigh options, set small goals and notice progress. To start, clients use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to availability.

Approaches that guide online counselling

Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationship patterns shape current ways of connecting. It can help people understand why they react in certain ways in close relationships and work toward different responses.

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on listening and creating a respectful space where people lead the conversation. This approach suits those who want to explore feelings and find their own solutions at a steady pace.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) encourages noticing thoughts and testing them against real life. It is useful for anxiety, low mood and habits linked to eating or substance use because it gives clear strategies to try between sessions.

Finding the right approach is part of working together. Lee will talk with each person about their needs, goals and preferences, and choose methods that fit. The plan can change as work deepens and priorities evolve.

If you are considering online sessions, confirm the current session formats before booking since these are not specified in the biography. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into busy days, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also make it simpler to keep regular appointments while managing work, family or health demands.