Counselling in Plymouth
A confidential space to explore the thoughts, feelings & challenges in your life.
Hi, my name is Lisa
I am a qualified counsellor based in Plympton, Plymouth, Devon. I work from a warm, comfortable and private space within my home.
Before becoming a counsellor I worked for many years in the social care field, working for the local authority and within GP Practices. I have extensive experience of working with people from diverse backgrounds, disabilities and with various challenges.
My passion has always been working with people, with a person led approach and with care and compassion at the heart of all that I do. My own lived experience led me into the counselling profession and I believe that this has enhanced my practice, it allows connection, empathy and gives strength to the therapeutic relationship.
- Level 3 Foundation in Counselling. NCPS.
- Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. BACP Approved Qualification.
- Mental Health First Aid. MHFA England.
- Trauma Informed Practice.
- Safeguarding Adults and Children.
- ACE Certificate.
- GDPR.
- Health and Safety.
- Equality and Diversity.
- Consent.
- Conflict Resolution.
I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
How can counselling help?
Counselling can seem like a daunting thought and just by looking at this website I recognise that it is a huge step for many, so well done for taking the first step in considering if I may be a good fit for you.
I offer...
A Space for you to feel comfortable, to be safe to share what you need and there be no judgement.
A Space for you where I can show you compassion and empathy, to enable you and I to work together and unravel things that perhaps you have been unable to before.
A Space for you to explore your own unique hopes for therapy. To look at your goals and aspirations to enable you to move forward.
A Space for you, to be you. Life is busy and often complex so I will support you to focus on you and what is needed in the time that we spend together.
A space for you to receive Hope and Empathy.
Integrative Approach
The approach that I practise in is Integrative, meaning I use different modalities dependent on the presenting need. This includes Person Centred concepts to establish and maintain the therapeutic relationship, Gestalt to work with the body and emotion and to address any unfinished business. CBT to look at the mind and work with core beliefs and Transpersonal to aid connection to the soul giving a sense of purpose to the client.
The Connections Model
In addition to my integrative approach, I use The Connections Model to guide me in which intervention to implement to best meet your needs. The Connections Model believes that if connected to all parts, the body, mind, emotion, and soul there will be a greater sense of wholeness and wellbeing.
Make Better, Healthier Choices
Counselling isn't about giving you solutions or advice, but about empowering you to make your own changes and I believe that the relationship that we can build together will enable that process.
What issues can counselling help with?
People come to me for help with a wide range of issues. Here are a few of the more common difficulties that can be supported through counselling:
Feelings of stress or anxiety
Panic attacks
Relationship problems
Grief, loss or bereavement
Problems with addiction
Trauma
Post-traumatic stress
Depression
Problems with confidence or self-esteem
Anger management
Issues relating to sexuality
Difficulties at work or in retirement
Problems with family
Domestic Abuse
Caring Responsibilities
Coping with Long Term Health Conditions
I work with adults aged 18 and over. I also have experience of working with people with disabilities and those who identify as Neurodiverse.
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
You can also call me on 07305824957 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first.
Frequently asked questions
Counselling is usually a good way to help with a current problem; something that can be discussed and - hopefully - resolved within a limited number of sessions. Over a certain number of weeks the understanding of the problem improves and away forward becomes clear. Therapy often describes work that goes a bit deeper, towards more substantial life issues and problems having a deeper effect on the client’s life. Therapy often requires a long-term approach, so the number of sessions can be open-ended.
Which option is most suitable depends on the client and the difficulties they are facing. In some cases counselling works well as an ongoing, longer-term option - or therapy can manage to resolve an issue in just a few sessions.
How long a period of counselling lasts will vary from person to person and depend on the depth of the issues they are facing. For some people a couple of sessions helps to bring their problems into focus, and they feel ready to move forward; other problems may require more of an open-ended approach.
Before we begin any work we will agree on the number of sessions we’ll undertake, and at the end of that number review our progress. As long as we both agree further therapy will be of benefit to you, sessions can continue.
My aim is to offer a first appointment - known as an initial assessment - within 1-2 weeks. Then we would arrange a set number of counselling sessions to take place at the same time every week, that is convenient for you and where I have availabity. How quickly these sessions can begin will depend on the availabity of that free ‘slot’.
Everything that is said within the counselling room is private - this is one of the main ways counselling and therapy differ from talking to a friend or relative. Once you are comfortable with the format of weekly sessions and the safe space they provide, you will find the freedom to speak in confidence is of great value.
Note there are some situations where you may be a serious risk to yourself or others, and therefore the law requires that I notify an authority. In these cases I may not be able to keep confidentiality due to having a duty of care and the need to adhere to the ethical framework. Where possible I will discuss this with you and agree an action together.
Other reasons to break confidentiality is if I was required to by law and for supervision purposes although for supervision your name would remain anonymous.
At times I am asked this question by people who are nervous about entering into counselling, or when they are looking for support in coming to see a therapist. This anxiety is understandable, but a key aspect of therapy is that you should feel free to talk about any issues you feel are important to you. Having someone else with you can make opening-up more difficult, so for this reason I do not see clients accompanied by friends or family.
Fees & availability
I offer a free initial 30 minute appointment to see if you feel that I may be the right counsellor for you. Sessions last 60 minutes, usually take place weekly and cost £45 per session.
Note that if you want to cancel a appointment I require 24 hours notice, otherwise you will still need to pay for any session missed. This is due to being unable to fill the slot that has been reserved for you at short notice.
I accept payment by cash or bank transfer.
My location
I work from a warm, comfortable and private space within my home in Plymouth, Devon. There is plenty of on street parking outside the property. If travelling by public transport there is a bus stop directly outside where the No 20 bus links you up to the city centre and beyond.
Sessions can be held face to face as well as online and by telephone. I am looking at offering Walk and Talk therapy in the future.