Lesley Brentley

Sometimes life can seem overwhelming or difficult to cope with. It may be a specific event which has triggered something or it may be an ongoing sense of unease, anxiety, difficulty with relationships, sadness, depression, anger or a whole host of other things. You may want to change unhelpful patterns which interfere with your happiness.

In my work with adults, children, young people and couples I integrate a variety of approaches, so that I can meet your particular needs.

I offer a safe, accepting, confidential space, where we can explore your issues at a pace and in a way which suits you best and with which you feel comfortable. I believe that the quality of the relationship between me as counsellor and you as the client is crucial for meaningful healing and progress to take place. I know that it may be very difficult to talk about painful or embarrassing situations and feelings, and so I will encourage you in a respectful and gentle way. You will find that talking to an independent, professional and empathic person can really help you to change and improve the things you want to be different in your life.

I understand that you may feel confused or anxious before embarking on counselling, so there is absolutely no commitment in attending an initial session. It will give you the opportunity to ask questions, clarify what you hope to get out of the process and get a feeling for whether I am the person you would like to work with. I will give you time to reflect for a few days before letting me know whether or not you would like to continue. 

You may want to sort out a specific problem, improve your relationships or one particular relationship, or maybe to find ways of changing unhelpful, repeating patterns, which are making it difficult for you to feel a sense of well-being and happiness. I am always open to whatever you may wish to bring to counselling and this is something we will look at during the initial meeting.

The number of sessions I offer is open-ended, so you are in control of when you start and when you wish to end counselling.

I offer outdoor counselling, either sitting in an outdoor space or walking. This type of counselling brings a new and different dimension to the work and can be hugely beneficial to many people. If you would like to know more please contact me.

My fees are £55.00 per 50 minutes for individuals, £70.00 per 60 minutes for couples counselling and I can offer a limited number of concessions particularly, though not exclusively, for counselling and therapy students.

During the initial session we will discuss what you hope to gain from counselling and it will give you the opportunity to come to a clearer understanding of the process.

I have both daytime and  early evening sessions available, from Monday to Thursday.

I work online and in a number of outdoor spaces, including the Downs, Purdown, Stoke Park Estate and an allotment space in Ashley Down allotments, St Werburghs.  However, other outdoor spaces can be negotiated.