Safe Shores Counselling
Counselling and Therapy in Poole, Dorset
Welcome.....
and thank you for visiting Safe Shores Counselling
I'm Lucy, a bereavement, grief and loss counsellor in Poole, Dorset, and I help people navigate some of the many difficult thoughts, feelings and emotions grief can generate. Not all grief comes from a bereavement, we can grieve when go through the loss of anything that matters to us; a job, a home, a relationship, our health, we can even grieve for things we didn't have in the past but needed at the time, and I can help with all of these too.
There are no words to describe what grief feels like, it's as unique to each of us as our finger prints. When a loved one is taken from us, or we lose something we hold dear, grief can be like waking up in a world that looks the same yet changed beyond recognition. Ordinary tasks can feel heavier, time can seem to move and stand still all at once and we might look "OK" to others on the outside, but on the inside, everything has been rearranged.
Grief is more than sadness, it can be many different feelings which can come over us in waves or hit us, full force, like a Tsunami. Sometimes grief might feel like swimming against an endless tide of emotions, and at others, like treading water just to stay afloat. And it's exhausting.
Although therapy can't change what's happened, it can help you find your way back to calmer waters and the safety of the shore. And if it feels right for you, and when you're ready, I'm here to make the journey with you, one wave at a time.
How I Work
Counselling and therapy with me is a safe, calm and supportive space where you can begin to find inner peace and healing. It's a place where you can talk in complete confidence about the things you'd like help with and where we can find a way through those things together.
We will only ever go at a speed you feel safe and comfortable with and each session will be a partnership rather than someone giving you advice or telling you what to do. I truly believe loss and grief aren't things that can be "advised on" or "fixed," they are feelings that need space and compassion, so instead, I will help you find your own answers by walking beside you and supporting you every step of the way.
Here are just some of the areas I can help with.
Anticipatory Grief
Anxiety
Anger
Bereavement
Depression
Grief
Low Self-Confidence
Low Self Esteem
Motivation
Panic attacks
Physical Health
Redundancy/Job Loss
Relationships
Separation and divorce
Spirituality
Sudden/Traumatic Loss
Trauma
Terminal/Life Limiting Illness
About Therapy
A lot of how I work comes from a model called IFS (Internal Family Systems) and I've completed advanced Level 2 training in this. IFS is a very compassionate approach and particularly helpful for grief and trauma and navigating life-changing losses. It offers a way of understanding the different "parts" of us that emerge in times of grief so we can understand and help them.
IFS for Bereavement, Grief & Loss
Grief is rarely one feeling, it's lots of them, and we all have parts that show up in a variety of ways; thoughts, emotions, physical feelings or behaviours. After a loss you may find some of these parts reacting very differently. You might notice a part of you that feels angry, a part that's trying to keep everything together or a part that's carrying intense guilt or regret. You might notice parts pulling in opposite directions too. A part of you might feel a need to "move on" while another part can't bear the thought of "letting go." None of these parts are wrong, they're all trying to help you through what's happened, whether it's something very recent or from a long time ago.
In our sessions, we make space for all the parts, gradually getting to know them and helping them feel heard, supported and understood. This often allows them to soften naturally and reconnect with the wise, steady, compassionate Self of you that can hold grief and navigate loss without being overwhelmed by it.
What if IFS isn't for me?
Although IFS often informs how I work, I understand it might not feel right everyone. I believe therapy should be about what works for you, not you fitting into a particular model.
If the idea and language of "parts" resonates with you, we can use it, but if it doesn't, that's OK too. I'm also a trained integrative counsellor and draw on a variety of different approaches so every session will always be tailored to whatever you feel is the most helpful to you and the most supportive way for us to journey together.
I'm a registered member of British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), so you can be sure I have met all their training requirements and work to their high professional and ethical standards.
Appointments
One to one in-person in Poole and online appointments are available which can be weekly, fortnightly or monthly depending on what you feel would work best for you.
Availability
I currently have a limited number of appointments available.
Fees
I understand that reaching out for help can be a big step so I offer a free initial, 20 minute, confidential telephone session where we can talk a little about what you'd like help with, I can answer any questions you may have and you can see how it feels for you first.
If you would like us to work together after our initial call, the cost of each in-person and online session is £58.00 per 50 minute session.
Outdoor Therapy
Outdoor sessions are £65 per 50 minute session, either in and around the beautiful Poole Park or along Poole's lovely quayside. Sessions are also available in the grounds of Upton Country Park.
Bereavement, Grief & Loss Workshops
I can provide training workshops to groups and organisations who would like to gain an insight into the impact of bereavement, grief and loss and increase their level of confidence in supporting others.
Please contact for more information
Get in Touch
Please contact me if you have any questions about how I can help or would like to arrange an initial free of charge telephone session. Alternatively, you can call me on 07568 923506.
All enquiries are completely confidential and I will aim to reply within 24 hours.
** Please state your preferred contact method (ie phone, text or email) in your message. **
My Location
Located in the Old Town part of Poole, Dorset close to Poole Quay, the building is easy to find and readily accessible by car, bus or train. There are plenty of carparks nearby and both the train and main bus stations are just a 10-15 minute walk away.
About Me
I've been counselling since 2018 and in addition to my work here, have experience of counselling and running training workshops in hospices and other charities.
I was drawn to working with bereavement, grief and loss because I believe it is one of the most difficult experiences we can ever go through. Not only does it generate many painful thoughts, feelings and emotions, it can change us in ways others don't always understand. It can also challenge everything we thought we knew about the world, from our sense of identity, to our sense of direction and purpose, and I wanted to help.
Outside of my practice, I enjoy dance, painting and drawing and taking long walks in nature. I also run a gentle wellbeing class for a local charity to help people stay active, build confidence and connect with others.
Qualifications
- IFS Advanced Level 2
- Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling
- CBT Level 5
- Level 2 Certificate in Therapeutic Use Of Person Centred Creative Arts
- Mindfulness Practitioner Certificate
- *Diploma in Counselling Children and Young People
* please note that I'm currently unable to offer help and support to children and young people under 18
