Louise Lancaster

Limited availability daytime and evenings Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

I'm a Psychotherapist with 12 years' experience of working individually with adults of all ages as well as young people (age 13+).

My approach is Person-centred which means I see you as a unique individual (whether you are 14 or 75 my approach is the same) who’s way of being has evolved throughout your life as a result of multiple factors; from nature and genetics and the way you were brought up, to the way you think, feel and respond to experiences, your needs and preferences.

I provide a safe confidential space, whether in real life in my therapy shed in Saffron Walden or online via video link, where you can take a step back from your everyday life and try to make sense of what is going on for you.

You may be feeling overwhelmed by the demands of your life. You may be struggling with anxiety or depression or unable to move on from the effects of childhood trauma. You may be stuck in a cycle of negative thinking and self-defeating behaviour or finding it difficult to function as you used to or believe you ’should’. You may be experiencing family issues or relationship problems, loss or loneliness.

Whatever you are going through, I am here to listen without judgement as you share your unique perspective, neuro-diverse or otherwise, on your present and past experiences. My role is to facilitate your understanding of yourself.

I may challenge you and it may not be easy. Looking inside yourself and facing up to your choices, however unconscious, takes courage and a willingness not only to be vulnerable but to accept the parts of yourself that you may not like. It is not for everyone. And I might not be the right therapist for you. But I truly believe that if you persist in trying to discover who you are -exploring the hows and whys in search of balance - for as long as it takes, then the potential rewards for your mental health and wellbeing are limitless.

• I am committed to a high standard of good practice and continue to learn and develop my professional skills through CPD in accordance with the Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions 2018 (Â鶹ԭ´´)

• As a Registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (Â鶹ԭ´´) I receive regular qualified Supervision to support me in my work with clients.

• Confidentiality is essential to the effectiveness of the counselling process and I take every precaution to safeguard personal information. Confidentiality is strictly maintained except if I believe you or another person to be at significant risk of harm. I would always seek your consent before contacting any appropriate third party.

• Sessions are 50 minutes long and usually take place weekly at the same time in person or via online media. As far as is possible, I will ensure that the devices I use are safe and secure. Sessions will not be recorded.

• Initial Consultation fee is £40. Counselling sessions cost £70. Online payment preferred but cash payment accepted.

• Counselling can be short term or long term depending on why you have come, how things progress and whether the focus is a specific issue or across a range of issues which require more in-depth work. Counselling is a collaborative process and progress will be addressed regularly as we go along.

• I will make every effort to ensure that sessions go ahead as planned. I will let you know as soon as possible if I am unable to attend for whatever reason. You will be notified of holidays/planned absences well in advance.

• You will get the most from your counselling experience if you commit to the process and attend regularly. For online counselling you will need a confidential space where you will be undisturbed.

• Please let me know if you are going to be late for a session or cannot attend, giving as much notice as possible. Please let me know your holiday dates or any planned absences well ahead of time.

The Initial consultation (50 minutes long) is about seeing how we get on.  It is an opportunity for you to ask any questions and for us  to begin exploring why you have come as a demonstration of how this process works.

The fee for the initial meeting is £40.