Chris Orton

Chris Orton offers calm, straightforward support for people feeling overwhelmed by life. He helps people notice and break unhelpful patterns in their thinking, feelings and behaviour. Sessions are aimed at building understanding so people can make changes that feel right for them.

Chris works in a client-centred way, focusing on the person rather than ticking boxes. He listens carefully and follows what matters most to each individual. This helps people talk about difficult topics like stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship concerns and eating or body image worries.

He also uses elements of existential thinking to help people face questions about meaning, choice and identity. That can be useful when someone is coping with life changes, feeling emptiness, or wrestling with issues such as gender dysphoria, abandonment or trauma. The approach is conversational rather than directive, with an emphasis on personal reflection.

Chris trained at postgraduate level in counselling and psychotherapy and is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, BACP. Before private practice he worked in a university counselling service with a wide range of students and life situations.

Throughout sessions he aims to stay present and non-judgemental, tailoring the pace and depth to what each person can manage. He invites people to explore emotions and patterns, and to build greater self-acceptance and practical ways of living that suit them.

How Chris' approaches work online and in conversation

Client-Centred Therapy focuses on being heard and understood. The counsellor listens without judgement and helps people explore their feelings at their own pace. This approach can help with anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship worries and eating or body image concerns.

Existential Therapy looks at questions of meaning, choice and identity. It can be useful when someone is coping with life changes, feelings of emptiness, or struggles about who they want to be. The work is about reflecting on options and living in a way that fits personal values.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapy itself. Chris will work collaboratively to decide which ideas and methods suit a person's needs, goals and preferences. He adapts the pace and depth of sessions so the process feels manageable and useful.

Confirm the current session options before booking, as the biography does not list specific formats. Online work can help fit therapy into a busy day, reduce travel time and make it easier to schedule regular appointments. It can also allow for shorter check-ins when time is limited or audio-only conversations when video is not wanted.