Lisa Smith

I currently have some availability.

All sessions are 50 minutes long and are scheduled to take place at the same time each week. I offer online counselling sessions on a one-to-one basis via Zoom which is a highly encrypted and secure platform.  The work is open-ended - there is no limit to the number of sessions available.  I conduct regular reviews to ensure that your needs are being met and very much encourage clients to be open about what they feel is and isn't working.  After all, it's your process and it's about helping you in a way that is most comfortable and effective for you personally.

I adhere to the ethical framework of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy so you can be sure you are being treated in a safe, accountable and professional way.  

My ambition to become a counsellor was inspired by my own experience of counselling and how it helped me to overcome difficulties in my own life.  

There will be periods in life when we feel overwhelmed, stuck, or when we have lost our way, and this is when the help of a professional counsellor can be invaluable.  Life events such as bereavement, divorce or job loss can bring up difficult feelings which may feel unmanageable.  Our past and present experiences, such as adverse childhood experiences (anything from abuse to bullying), domestic abuse, difficult workplace situations, and unemployment (to name but a few) can also impact our lives by negatively affecting the way we think and feel about ourselves, others and the world.  This negative impact can be self-limiting, reducing self-esteem and creating depression and anxiety.  It can hurt us and our relationships and may prevent us from 'moving on'.  

I will work with you and support you with understanding, empathy and without judgment, to explore your situation and feelings in a way which gets you through difficult times, brings about personal growth and develops your own self-belief and clarity to bring about the changes you need and want, whether that be in you as an individual, in your relationships, work or social life.  

Although the basis of my approach is founded in person-centred counselling, I may at times also draw on CBT therapy (working on thoughts) and other types of therapeutic work, in order to meet your particular individual needs.

You'll take things at your own pace, and can rest assured that no matter what you bring to the therapy space, it will be respectfully accepted and treated as confidential.   

If what I offer sounds like it's worth a try, you're very welcome to contact me to arrange an initial phone call, on a no obligation basis.  I'll explain how I work and answer any questions or concerns you may have. 

I wish you every success in whatever counselling journey you decide to undertake.     

Lisa

Before the counselling itself begins I'll meet with you to gain a basic understanding of your mental health background and current situation, to get an idea of what you hope to gain from counselling.  This is vital in order to ensure my skills and experience suit your needs so that we can work together effectively and safely.  

This initial session is also an opportunity for you to get a flavour of what I offer, to ask questions and express any concerns you may have so you can make an informed decision as to whether you feel I am someone you would like to work with.  

I allow 75 minutes for this session (although it doesn't always take that long).  The fee for the initial session is the same as future sessions (£40).