Welcome
I'm Lucy, a counsellor specialising in bereavement, grief and loss including non-person losses such as the loss of a job, a pet, health or a relationship. I'm also experienced in helping people struggling with stress, anxiety or depression.
When bereavement takes a loved one from us, a life-changing loss turns our world upside down or feelings of stress, anxiety or depression overwhelm us, it can affect many areas of our lives, from our work and relationships with others, to how we see the world and ourselves. We may lose our sense of identity or purpose, lose hope that things will ever get better or belief that anything can help. But counselling really can.
When we're already struggling, reaching out to a stranger can seem daunting, even scary, and if this is how you feel right now, I promise you're not alone. You've already come a long way getting this far, and when you feel ready to take the next steps, I'm here to walk them with you, one healing step at a time.
If you would like more information about the ways I can help you, please call, email or use the contact form in the pages below.
How I Can Help
Navigating our way through the trauma of loss or feelings of anxiety or depression can feel impossible at times, particularly when we can't talk to others about our thoughts and feelings and how hard things really are for us. Sometimes it's hard to know how we feel ourselves or be able to put those feelings into words, and sometimes, there just aren't any words.
In therapy, we can explore and work through those thoughts and feelings, one session at a time. For some people, being heard and accepted by someone who won't try to "fix" them is just what they need to help them heal. Other people would like help to find new tools, strategies and different ways of looking at things that enable them to rebuild their lives and reconnect with the things that matter to them. Whatever you would like from counselling, we'll start from wherever you are and go from there together.
"I can't see a way through" said the boy."
"Can you see your next step?"
"Yes."
"Just take that" said the horse.
Charlie Mackesy
Here are some of the areas I can help with:
Anxiety
Anger Management
Bereavement
Burnout
Cancer
Carer support
Depression
Health anxiety
Low Self-Confidence
Low Self Esteem
Life Limiting/Changing Illness
Mental Health
Older people's counselling
Panic attacks
Personal Development/Life Coaching
Redundancy
Relationships
Separation and divorce
Social anxiety
Spirituality
Stress
Work-related stress
How I Work
We all experience things very differently and one way of working isn't always right for everyone all of the time. So that our work is always tailored to meet your individual needs and preferences, I often incorporate different counselling methods so that we're always working in the way you feel is most helpful to you.
We will only ever work at a speed that feels right for you and there is never any pressure to move faster in our sessions than you feel safe and comfortable going. Our work together will always be a partnership, not someone giving you advice or telling you what to do which, however well intended, isn't always helpful. Instead, I will help you find your own answers by walking beside you and supporting you every step of the way.
I am a registered member of British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), so you can be sure I have met the high training standards set by the BACP and work to their professional and ethical standards at all times.
If you would like to know more about the different counselling methods I can work with, please contact me for more information
FAQs
Finding a therapist who you feel is the right for you is really important so I offer a 20 minute free, no obligation initial telephone session where we will talk about what you'd like help with, I'll explain how I can support you and answer any questions you may have so you can see how you feel about us working together.
When you make an enquiry, I will contact you by telephone or email to arrange a time for the call that's helpful to you. If you have a preferred initial contact method, just let me know you'd like it to be phone or email by including this in your enquiry.
If, after our 20 minute call, you feel I can be of help to you, we will then arrange a convenient date and time for our first session which can be in-person or remotely by telephone or Zoom.
Everyone is different so I will always be guided by you about how many sessions feels right for you and when you would like to bring our work to a close. Some people find it helpful to agree a set number of sessions at the start of our work whereas others prefer to leave it open and work session by session.
Payments are required a minimum of 24 hours in advance by bank transfer which confirms the appointment but if you're unable to do this for any reason, just let me know so we can agree alternative ways of making your payment. Cancellations require a minimum of 24 hours notice as this allows me to offer your appointment to someone else who may need it if you're unable to attend.
Availability
I offer flexible appointments as I understand some people would like long term weekly, fortnightly or monthly support while others would find just a few sessions helpful to them. These sessions can be in-person, online or telephone and I also offer some weekday evening and Saturday appointments
Fees
In-person, telephone and online sessions are £58.00 for a 50 minute session.
Concessions are available for trainee counsellors who are looking for personal therapy as part of the their course requirements. Appointments would be online and are £40 per 60 minute session.
Outdoor Therapy
Outdoor sessions are £65 for a 50 minute session either in and around the beautiful Poole Park or Poole's lovely quayside. I also offer outdoor therapy in the grounds of Upton Country Park.
All outdoor sessions are subject to availability and weather conditions. If adverse weather meant the session couldn't go ahead, we would agree whether you'd prefer to reschedule the appointment or have a £58 in-person, telephone or online session instead.
Training
Training workshops are available for organisations who would like to gain a better understanding of the impact of loss, grief and bereavement and increase their level of confidence in supporting colleagues, staff members, clients, customers or students who have experienced a bereavement.
For more information, please call or email via the online enquiry contact form below.
Get in Touch
Please contact me if you have any questions about how I can help you or to arrange an initial free of charge telephone appointment. Alternatively, you can call me in confidence on 07568 923506.
My Location
I am based in town centre in Poole, Dorset within easy reach of Upton, Hamworthy and Broadstone. For more information about appointment times, please see the Hours and Availability section at the bottom of the page or contact me using the Get In Touch form above.
About Me
I started my counselling training in 2017 and have been counselling since 2018, first as part of my training and then after I fully qualified in 2020. Since then, I have continued training and gained additional formal qualifications as well as engaging in regular Continuing Professional Development activities and workshops.
In addition to my private work here, I work as a counsellor in a hospice and run a gentle exercise class for a community charity.
Formal Qualifications
Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling (BACP Accredited)
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) Level 5
Certificate in Therapeutic Use Of Person Centred Creative Arts
Mindfulness Practitioner Certificate
Diploma in Counselling Children and Young People (8-25yrs)
