About me

Libby Cairns

I’m Libby, a final year trainee Counselling Psychologist who cares deeply about creating a space where people feel understood, supported, and able to explore what’s happening in their lives. My path into private practice has been shaped by years of training, research, and personal growth, as well as the experience of navigating my own layered identities and transitions along the way.

I am in the process of finishing my PsychD in Counselling Psychology at the University of Roehampton, building on earlier MSc degree in Health Psychology (Distinction) and BSc in Counselling Psychology (First Class) from the University of Chichester. These experiences taught me not just the theory behind therapy, but the importance of listening closely, working collaboratively, and honouring the whole person in front of me. I’m BPS registered and fully insured.

My approach is flexible and pluralistic, I draw from person‑centred, psychodynamic, and cognitive‑behavioural ideas depending on what feels most helpful for you. I have a particular interest in women’s health, the menopause transition, identity shifts, and trauma history that often sits hidden beneath everyday struggles.

I welcome clients from all faith backgrounds and those with no faith. My own experiences navigating faith, culture, and identity have taught me how important it is to offer a space where people can bring their whole selves — whether spirituality is central to your life, something you’re questioning, or not part of your world at all.

Moving into private practice has allowed me to work in a way that feels authentic to my values: gentle, curious, and grounded in respect. My aim is to offer a space where you can talk openly, feel heard, and explore whatever you’re carrying at a pace that feels right for you.

A first step towards change

Change begins with being heard. I offer empathy, curiosity, and an approach shaped around your needs; where you can begin to understand yourself more fully and explore what you need. To get a sense of who I am and how I work, you can read more about my approach here.

Recognise Understand Change

My therapy room

Your experiences, values, and ways of making sense of the world matter, you are the expert on your own life. In my therapy room, we work side by side to understand what's happening for you and to find approaches that fit your life. My role is to walk alongside you with curiosity, care, and professional guidance as we explore what feels most supportive and meaningful for you.

My philosophy

Individuality

I respect and value the uniqueness of each person and therefore adapt my therapy to who you are, not who you're expected to be.

Responsibility

I take my responsibility as a therapist seriously and am committed to providing you with the support and guidance you need. You bring your lived experience, and I'll bring my steady, thoughtful therapeutic presence.

Appreciation

I value the courage it takes to show up. Your strengths, struggles, and insights will be met with respect, curiosity, and genuine appreciation.

Growth

Growth happens in small, meaningful steps. Together we create space for those shifts to unfold.

Presence

I bring calm, attentive presence to our work, offering space to slow down, time to reflect, and opportunity to truly be heard.

Sensitivity

Your cultural, spiritual, amd relational contexts matter. i work with sensitivity to the worlds you move in and through.

Safety

Safety matters. I offer, grounded space where you can explore your experiences without judgement or pressure. You remain in control of your process.

Collaboration

Therapy works best when we shape it together, your voice, your pace, your goals. My role is to support, guide, and walk alongside you.

Compassion

Compassion is central to my work -helping you meet yourself with warmth, curiosity, and courage, rather than criticism, judgement, and shame.

Competence

My practice is grounded in clinical training, ongoing research, and reflective expertise, thoughtfully adapted to your needs, experience, wellbeing, and growth.

Structure

I structure our therapy sessions clearly and transparently to ensure that you feel safe, held, and able to explore at your own pace.

Transparency

I am open about how I work and you can expect me to communicate openly and honestly with you about your progress, challenges, and goals, ensuring you are always informed and involved.

Training

2023 - 2026

PsychD Counselling Psychology, University of Roehampton

2022 - 2023

MSc Health Psychology (Distinction), University of Chichester

2019 - 2022

BSc (Hons) Counselling Psychology (First Class), University of Chichester

Experience

2025 - 2026

NHS Trainee Psychologist Specialist Peri-natal Service

2023 - 2025

NHS Drug & Alcohol service Counsellor

2023 - 2025

Affordable Counselling Network Counsellor (online)

2020 - 2022

Samaritans volunteer listener


Let's work together on your future.

If you are ready to take a step toward something different, I invite you to reach out.

I offer a calm, supportive space where we can deepen your understanding of yourself, make sense of your feelings and needs, and explore new possibilities going forward.

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