Sharmaine O'Keefe, BACP
Practical, compassionate support for parents and individuals
Book with Sharmaine- Years in practice
- 4
- Registration
- BACP
- Languages
- English
- Focus
- Stress, Anxiety
- Focus
- Self esteem
About Sharmaine
Sharmaine O'Keefe is a counsellor who helps people manage stress, anxiety, parenting challenges, low self-esteem and life transitions. She works with people facing relationship strain, grief, trauma, eating and body-image concerns, and workplace or career pressures. Sharmaine writes plainly and listens closely so you can say what matters and be understood.
She draws on four years of experience working in independent practice, schools and charities. Before qualifying she worked as a lawyer, teacher and lecturer, and those roles contribute to her practical, down-to-earth style.
Background and approach
Sharmaine is a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Sharmaine uses an integrative approach and tailors sessions to each person. That often means combining Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness exercises.
She also uses solution-focused ideas to set clear, achievable steps between appointments. Sessions are conversational and practical. Clients can expect to talk about what is happening now, try out small changes, and reflect on what helps.
Sharmaine aims to create a warm, non-judgemental space where people can explore difficult feelings and build coping skills. Her background includes living and working in several countries, which supports sensitivity to multicultural concerns and diverse family backgrounds. Sharmaine works in English and focuses on helping individuals find clearer ways forward when life feels overwhelming.
What Sharmaine works with
Everything Sharmaine lists, in their own terms. Parenting is the reason this directory exists; the rest shows what else Sharmaine helps people with.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Parenting issues
- Self esteem
- Coping with life changes
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Eating disorders
- Career difficulties
- Depression
- Body image
- Eating and food-related issues
- Family of origin issues
- Fertility issues
- Jealousy
- Midlife crisis
- Multicultural concerns
- Narcissism
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Phobias
- Post-traumatic stress
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Women's issues
- Workplace issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches Sharmaine lists
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Client-Centred Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each counsellor names and does not check training records.
How Sharmaine brings evidence-based approaches online
Sharmaine commonly draws on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in online work. CBT is a practical, skills-based approach that looks at thinking patterns and behaviours that keep problems going; it suits anxiety, panic, phobias, low mood and workplace stress. ACT focuses on values and mindful acceptance, helping people tolerate difficult feelings while taking steps toward what matters most in life.Finding the right approach is part of the process and will be decided together. The therapist will check your goals, preferences and what feels most useful, then adapt techniques across sessions. This collaborative planning means therapy can change as needs shift over time.
Online sessions are available by video call, phone, live chat or text-based messaging to fit different circumstances. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions work well when bandwidth is limited or you prefer not to be on camera. Live chat and text messaging suit quick check-ins, brief coaching or people who communicate better in writing. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, family and daily life while still accessing registered or accredited professionals.
Questions people ask about Sharmaine
What kinds of problems does Sharmaine help with?
She supports people with stress, anxiety, parenting concerns, low self-esteem, relationship and family strain, grief, trauma and eating or body-image issues.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Sharmaine takes a practical, conversational approach that mixes listening with hands-on strategies. Sessions focus on clear steps you can try between meetings.
How much experience does she have?
She has four years of counselling experience in independent practice, senior school settings and charities.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and works from the United Kingdom.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the UK work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.
How are costs handled and how do I start?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and is charged through a subscription that can be cancelled at any time. To begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.
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