Welcome...
and thank you for visiting Safe Shores Counselling
I'm Lucy, a bereavement, grief and loss counsellor in Poole 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. Each of them signifies the end of something and we grieve. Trauma too contains grief, we might grieve the loss of the childhood we didn't have or the people who should have been there for us and I can help with all of these too.
When a loved one is taken from us or we lose something important, it can feel like the tide has gone out without warning. Ordinary moments can feel heavier, everyday tasks can seem much harder and the solid ground we once stood on can feel more like shifting sands.
Grief can be many different feelings which can come over us in waves or hit us like a huge Tsunami. Some days can feel like drowning under big feelings and other days as if we're treading water just to stay afloat.
If you're visiting this page because you're struggling right now, I really am sorry for what's happened. Therapy can't turn the tide and change it, but it can help you ride the waves and find your way back to the shore.
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 the waves can settle long enough for you to breathe and we can talk about the things that matter to you. You don't need to have the right words or know where to begin. I will meet you wherever you are and we'll go from there 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," so instead, I will help you find your own answers and walk beside you every step of the way.
Here are just some of the areas I can help with.
Anticipatory Grief
Anxiety
Anger
Bereavement
Depression
Grief
Health
Low Self-Confidence
Low Self Esteem
Motivation
Non-person losses
Panic attacks
Prolonged Grief
Redundancy/Job Loss
Relationships
Separation and divorce
Spirituality
Sudden/Traumatic Loss
Trauma
Terminal/Life Limiting Illness
This is not a full list so if you feel I might be able to help you with something not shown, please do get in touch.
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, trauma and life-changing losses.
IFS for Bereavement, Grief & Loss
Grief is rarely one feeling, it's lots of them, and they show up differently and in different ways for each of us. You might notice a part of you that feels angry, a part that carries guilt or regret, a part that's trying to keep everything together or a part that's trying to avoid difficult feelings. You might also notice parts in opposition. A part of you might want to "move on" while another part can't bear to "let go." None of these parts are wrong, they're all trying to help you through what's happened, whether it's something recent or from long ago.
How IFS Can Help
In our sessions, we make space for all the parts that are there, gradually getting to know them and helping them feel heard and understood. This often allows them to soften naturally so we can help them connect with the wise, 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 for everyone. If you like the idea of "parts", we can use it, but if it not, or you'd prefer a more conversational approach, that's OK too. I'm also a qualified integrative counsellor which means I'm able to draw on a variety of different counselling methods so every session is tailored to whatever you feel is most helpful and supportive to you.
Whatever approach we use, 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 will always work to their high professional and ethical standards.
Appointments
In-person sessions 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 small 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 aim to reply within 24 hours.
** Please state how you'd prefer me to contact you (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, first as part of my training and then after I fully qualified in 2020. In addition to my work here, I have a number of years experience of counselling, coaching and running training workshops in hospices and GP surgeries.
I always wanted to specialise in bereavement, grief and loss because I know, from my own experiences, what a dark and lonely place grief can be. We go through many losses in our lifetimes, both person and non-person ones, and they can affect us in ways nothing really prepares us for. Having someone beside us in the dark can really help and I wanted to be there for others so they wouldn't feel quite so alone.
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
(Copies of all my qualifications are available on request )
- 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