You can't be expected to know all the answers
Why not speak to me about how I can help you talk things through.
About Linda
My name is Linda Lawler, I am a UKCP accredited integrative psychotherapist; registered with the BACP and member of the Association for Counselling and Therapy Online (ACTO). I have worked for many years with people who reflect the richness of the diversity of the city I have lived in for over 30 years, Leicester. My interest in counselling and psychotherapy was triggered in the 1990’s when working in the charitable and voluntary sectors with vulnerable men and women with severe personality and mental health problems. This work led me to train as a Social Worker, followed by a challenging but equally stimulating and interesting career in the Probation Service.
Training and working as a counsellor and psychotherapist I have learned the value of having someone on your side who will try their level best to understand your experience without judgement whilst maintaining an open and genuine relationship with you. I have found from those who I have worked with over the years, and from personal experience, that a therapeutic relationship can be transformative. It is through the eyes of another that we learn to see ourselves anew and self-acceptance becomes possible; which in turn is the vehicle towards personal growth and change.
My aim is to help clients accept the things they can’t change or find the inner strength to change the things they can. I see that understanding ourselves better gives us a sense of having more control over our lives and to learn new ways to cope with everyday problems. I encourage clients to explore new ways of thinking and being and to consider alternative perspectives on life and relationships.
I gained valuable insight having worked for a local charity that provides Counselling for Male Survivors of Sexual abuse; an Associate Independent Practitioner at Rutland House Counselling and Psychotherapy (RHCP); and working for a Local Authority Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
In addition to my private practise I also work for Rutland House Counselling and Psychotherapy in Leicester as a Psychotherapist and Case Manager.
Where I work
In addition to working in the city centre as an Associate Independent Practitioner with RHCP, my private practice is based on the ground floor of my property close to Leicester City Centre. There is ample parking in the residential street.
I understand it is sometimes hard to make the first step towards seeking help. You will receive a warm welcome in a safe and private space. I see that it is really important that you feel in control of the process and I will endeavour to help you to decide what is the best way forward for you at our initial meeting, for which there is no charge.
Initial assessments and session charges
I’ll arrange to have a 20-minute chat with you on the phone or if you prefer a video chat. This will give me an idea if I can help with your problem you are facing and to answer any initial questions you might have. Following this conversation, if we decide to proceed, a more in-depth initial meeting will be arranged so I understand you better and for you to experience working with me.
Session charges:
Initial contact lasting 20 minutes no charge
Individual sessions last 60 minutes and cost £55
EMDR sessions last 90 minutes and cost £75
Couples sessions last 60 minutes and cost £65
My Approach
It is important that clients feel comfortable with a particular therapist or counsellor. It takes time to build trust in a relationship but sometimes we sense a particular person is not right for us either at the first meeting or after a couple of sessions. I encourage clients to decide for themselves if I am the right person. Equally, in your best interest I will say if I feel unable to offer the help that is needed and may suggest other avenues of support or other therapists that may be more appropriate/suitable for your needs.
My aim is to provide a safe space in which clients feel able to explore their personal difficulties and find a way through these for themselves. I see it’s really important that I understand what each client is hoping to achieve through counselling and that we work together in a way and at a pace that feels right to them.
My role is to help clients through this process without judgment or telling them what to do. If I think it would be helpful, I may provide information or offer suggestions. I work in collaboration with clients on specific goals discussed at the initial assessment. Throughout our time together we will review progress towards an ending based on an agreed number of sessions or if the therapy is open ended periodical reviews of progress will be part of the process.
After our initial assessment meeting, each session is shaped by your needs at that time. If I think it will be of benefit to you, I may use creative methods from time to time as I have found these to be beneficial in the process of self-discovery.
My Training
I trained at the Sherwood Psychotherapy Training Institute in Nottingham achieving an MSc in Integrative Psychotherapy. I am accredited by the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy and Registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. I have trained with the Online Therapy Institute and qualified as a Certified Cyber Therapist and I have also completed a Diploma in An Integrative Approach Couples Therapy with The Sherwood Psychotherapy Training Institute.
I previously trained for two years in Psychodynamic Theory and Counselling at Leicester University’s Vaughan College. Following this, I trained and qualified as a social worker.
In my career as a Probation Officer I trained to deliver groupwork based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
I regularly undertake additional learning through Continuing Professional Development events/workshops:
- Working with Trauma and Neuroscience
- Complicated grief
- Redecision Therapy combining Gestalt and Transactional Analysis techniques
- Working with Creative Methods
