- Years in practice
- 8
- Registration
- NCPS
- Languages
- English
- Focus
- Relationship issues
- Focus
- Family conflicts
About Gillian
Gillian McGowan is a counsellor who focuses on helping people who are worried about relationships, parenting and family tensions. She also supports those dealing with stress, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem and life changes. Gillian aims to create a warm, non-judgemental space where people can speak openly and be heard.
Gillian has eight years' experience practising as a counsellor, and more than 20 years working in mental health roles overall. She pays particular attention to how childhood messages and early caregiver relationships shape present behaviour and self-belief.
Background and approach
That practical focus helps people trace patterns and try different ways of responding. In sessions she concentrates on relationship dynamics such as communication problems, attachment-related concerns, infidelity, divorce and blended family issues. She also supports those coping with caregiver stress, codependency and the emotional fallout of separation or major life shifts.
Her approach keeps conversations grounded in everyday life rather than jargon. Gillian works with individuals only and does not offer couples therapy. She uses client-centred methods that put the person’s experience at the heart of the work.
Expect a relaxed, flexible tone and a focus on building understanding rather than quick fixes. Sessions can include talking through difficult feelings, looking at recurring patterns, and trying small practical changes between meetings. Gillian aims to help people feel more confident in their choices and clearer about next steps.
What Gillian works with
Everything Gillian lists, in their own terms. Parenting is the reason this directory exists; the rest shows what else Gillian helps people with.
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Stress, Anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Parenting issues
- Self esteem
- Depression
- Coping with life changes
- Blended family issues
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Codependency
- Commitment issues
- Communication problems
- Divorce and separation
- Domestic violence
- Family problems
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Infidelity
- Jealousy
- Life purpose
- Midlife crisis
- Self-love
- Sexuality
- Women's issues
- Workplace issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches Gillian lists
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each counsellor names and does not check training records.
Client-centred work and online support
Client-Centred Therapy focuses on the person in front of the counsellor. It means the therapist listens carefully, reflects what they hear, and follows the client’s pace. This approach helps when someone needs to build self-belief, understand messages from childhood, or regain direction after a relationship change.Gillian tailors the work to the individual rather than using a fixed plan. Together they look at what matters most, test small changes, and adjust approaches as progress is made. Finding the right fit is a collaborative process and she helps people choose methods that match their goals and preferences.
Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging. Video is useful for in-depth conversations and visual cues. Phone sessions suit shorter check-ins or times with less bandwidth. Chat and messaging can work for quicker reflections, ongoing check-ins or when written thinking helps. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, family life and other commitments.
Questions people ask about Gillian
What concerns does Gillian specialise in?
She supports people with relationship and family issues, parenting worries, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related problems, self-esteem and depression.
What is her therapy style like?
Gillian uses a client-centred approach, working from the person’s experience and pace. Conversations focus on understanding feelings and practical steps to try between sessions.
How much experience does she have?
She has eight years practising as a counsellor and more than 20 years of work in mental health roles overall.
What credentials and region are listed?
Gillian is listed with the NCPS and is based in the United Kingdom.
Which languages are supported and can international clients join?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats does she offer?
She provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.
How does pricing work for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Choose the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist’s availability.
More counsellors who work with relationship
See all of them
Dr. Doreen Fleet
BACP
23 years in practice
Compassionate, practical therapy for everyday struggles
- Stress, Anxiety
- Grief
- Self esteem
Melanie O'Brien
BACP
5 years in practice
A calm, person-centred counsellor
- Stress, Anxiety
- Addictions
- Relationship
Sarah Ryan
NCPS
3 years in practice
Supportive counselling for stress and parenting
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationship
- Family