Help is closer than you might think.
How I can help…
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 as really important that I understand what you are hoping to achieve through counselling/therapy and that we work together in a way and at a pace that feels right to you. Our initial contact will likely be over the phone or email, at that point I will suggest we arrange a non-chargeable meeting of approximately twenty minutes to discuss what has brought you to therapy at this point in your life; what your hopes and/or goals are for the future. This meeting can be either in person, Zoom or telephone. I will provide a copy of my Individual Client Contract or Couple Contract for your information. It is very important that you feel comfortable with your therapist or counsellor. It does takes time to build trust in any relationship but sometimes we quickly sense a particular therapist is not right for us and that’s okay.
If you decide to proceed, I usually suggest two assessment sessions, so I fully understand your experiences, emotional and mental health. These two sessions will give you the opportunity to see if my approach works for you. If I feel my skills and experience are insufficient to provide you with the help that is needed, I will endeavour to suggest other avenues of support or other therapists that may be able to help. If we decide to continue working together each session is then shaped by your needs at that time. I usually suggest we see each other weekly for an agreed number of sessions or if the work is open-ended, we will have regular reviews, usually every six sessions.
Listening carefully to your story I will work in collaboration with you on the specific goals we discussed. I see my role is to help you through this process of exploring your problems or difficulties without judgement or telling you what to do. Using an integrative approach to counselling/ psychotherapy means I can draw from a broad range of therapeutic viewpoints to help us both to understand your experience in greater depth.
I strongly believe that one size does not fit all so I will draw on whatever methods are appropriate to your individual situation, personality, issues, wants and needs. If I think it will be helpful 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. I may provide relevant information or offer suggestions based on your needs at that time. In addition, if you are living with the impact of a traumatic event(s) EMDR might be a helpful intervention for you. There is more information on this approach on the website.
My approach is based on the principles that everyone is fundamentally okay and has the right to be treated with respect and compassion. I will not make assumptions and you will not be judged. I work on the basis that:
- everyone is essentially okay.
- everyone has the capacity to think and feel.
- people make decisions (mostly unconsciously) as they go through life that affect how they think and behave.
- you can change those decisions that are no longer useful to you and change the way you think, feel and behave for the better.
- you do not have to let the past dictate your future; whatever has happened in the past, you can determine how your life is and will be from now on.
Life experience has taught me that it helps to accept the things we can’t change and to find the inner strength to change the things we can. Understanding ourselves better gives us a sense of having more control over our lives and helps us learn new ways to cope with everyday problems. I may encourage you to explore new ways of thinking and being and to consider alternative perspectives on your life and relationships.
How therapy can help with…
Depression
Everyone feels down, upset or sad from time to time, it’s part of life and being human. However, if feelings of low mood persist or worsen and start to get in the way of you living your life to the full this could be depression.
Anxiety and Stress
Anxiety and stress are a natural part of human experience that alerts us to potentially dangerous situations so are useful in protecting us. However, too much anxiety is counter-productive, preventing us from living fully and enjoying our lives.
Anger
Anger is a normal human emotion. It lets us know that we need to take appropriate action to set boundaries or defend ourselves, other people or our rights. However, when angry feelings are uncontrolled and acted out, damage is caused to health and relationships, work is affected, and the quality of life is eroded.
Bereavement
When we suffer a bereavement our thoughts, feelings and experiences can be mixed and confusing. Everyone’s experience is different, and our reactions will depend on our past, our relationship with the person we have lost and the circumstances surrounding the bereavement.
PTSD
PTSD is a condition that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Mostly people naturally recover from the initial distress from the upsetting experience. However, sometimes our natural coping mechanisms become overloaded and result in disturbing experiences remaining frozen in our brain.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is defined as any situation in which someone is forced to participate in unwanted, unsafe or degrading sexual activity, even when it’s with a partner the person is also having consensual sex with. Both men and women can be perpetrators and victims of sexual abuse.
Online counselling Linda Lawler MSc Counselling and Therapy UKCP Accredited and BACP Registered Member
In addition to in person face to face sessions I offer therapy at a distance. For some clients this may be preferable because of convenience or it might feel less intense than meeting in person. I can help via email correspondence, chat, video session or telephone.
I use secure encrypted platforms approved by UKCP, BACP and ACTO. If you are interested in therapy at a distance or online video sessions, please contact me via my website and I can provide more information about this service.
Zoom is an encrypted website that is secure and approved by UKCP and BACP. You will need a device with an internet connection.
The initial 20-minute telephone assessment is free of charge. In this time, we can talk about the problems you are experiencing, what your needs are, your expectations and hopes. I will say if I am able to help you and if I can’t I will signpost you to other services who may be able to help.
If we decide further sessions may be beneficial for you, before these commence, I will send you a client contract for our work together.
Online/phone Session Fee: £55 for 60-minutes
Couples Therapy – working with couples
If you’re part of a couple in distress, you may feel that there’s no way out of your troubled relationship. Couples often wait until long after their relationship is in trouble to seek help and one or both of you may have decided to call it quits. In my experience this decision is never taken lightly and is even more difficult when children are involved.
Whatever stage you are at, effective therapy can help repair and maintain positive close relationships, or it can help a couple to have a more amicable outcome if you reach a decision to end the relationship.
Couples counselling can provide a safe space for you both to take an objective look at your relationship, feel that you can share your emotions, communicate effectively and to explore what’s working and what isn’t for both of you. Listening to each other in a counselling environment can help to reduce unhelpful responses and/or behaviours.
It is important to remember that each relationship has its unique challenges and strengths and by seeking help you will be giving yours the best chance for survival.
Couples Session Fee: £65 for 60-minutes