Lou Allen Integrative Counsellor; Adv Dip; MBACP

Heavitree Exeter Devon EX1
07941 315767 Click here to Email me

Profile

As an experienced integrative counsellor, I draw on a range of approaches and skills to meet the individual needs of my clients. I am skilled at building warm, safe, therapeutic relationships and supporting people through difficult times, as I have worked with adults, children and families for over twenty years.

All of us experience emotional difficulties at some point in our life and sometimes this can leave us feeling anxious, overwhelmed and finding it hard to cope with day-to-day life. Painful experiences from the past can be unexpectedly triggered and I can provide a safe, non-judgemental, confidential space for clients to explore these issues and find ways to make positive life changes. I will encourage you to gently challenge your exisiting patterns and help you to increase your self-awareness and to feel more confident in your day to day life.

I have a client-centred approach, meaning that I respect people as unique individuals and trust in their capacity to heal and grow at their own pace.  I can offer creative interventions to clients who are comfortable to try intuitive ways of working, using drawing, images, writing, sand tray, visualisation etc. This approach is useful when it's hard to find the words you're looking for and is particularly helpful for children and young people. I often teach relaxation and body awareness to help with stress, panic attacks and to manage and understand anger.

It can be very difficult to make the decision to start counselling and I believe it's very important for clients to feel comfortable and safe with their counsellor, so I offer a free initial 30 minute session when we can meet. This is a time for me to explain how I work with clients, and for both of us to explore how counselling could help you. If you decide I am the right counsellor for you, we will make a regular appointment to meet.

I am very experienced at working with a wide range of issues, including:

Anger management
Abuse,
Behaviour difficulties with children,
Family & parenting difficulties,
Loss and bereavement,
Anxiety and depression,
Loneliness and isolation,
Low self-esteem,
Autism,
Relationship difficulties,
Life changes, such as divorce, separation, ageing, redundancy.

I work with individuals, couples and families.

As a member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists, I follow their code of ethics, confidentiality and good practice.

Training, Qualifications & Experience

Training & Qualifications:

Level 3 Supervision (CRUSE, Ascentis)
Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling, BACP Accredited
Bereavement Counselling for Adults, Children & Young People (CRUSE)
Post Qualifying Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)Certificate in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
Basic Counselling Skills (Relate)
Certificate in Basic Counselling Skills
B Ed Degree(Primary)

Experience:

Private counselling practice, Exeter.
Bereavement Counsellor for past 4 years and currently Supervisor with Cruse.
Counsellor at Meadow House, Exeter NHS Mental Well-Being & Access (anxiety & depression)
General Counsellor with adults at Margaret Jackson Centre, Exeter
School Counsellor at South Dartmoor Community College
Running Nurture Groups in Primary Schools
Leading SEAL (Social & Emotional Aspects of Learning) groups for children & families
Extensive experience working with children and families in school settings
Early Years & Special Needs Teaching
Anger Management with children at risk of exclusion
Currently working as a Parent Support Worker in Primary and Secondary Education
Individual  parenting coaching
Leading parenting groups

Professional Membership:

Member of BACP (British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy)
Member of CCYP (Counselling Children & Young people)

Areas of counselling I deal with

• Abortion
• Abuse
• Addiction(s)
• ADHD
• Adoption Issues
• Affairs and Betrayals
• Alcoholism
• Anger Management
• Anxiety
• Asperger's Syndrome
• Bereavement
• Bipolar Disorder/Manic Depression
• Bullying
• Cancer
• Child Related Issues
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME
• Couples Counselling
• Dementia
• Depression
• Disabilities
• Domestic Violence
• Emotional Abuse
• Family Issues
• Generalised Anxiety
• Learning Difficulties
• Low Self-Confidence
• Low Self-Esteem
• Panic Disorder
• Physical Abuse
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Postnatal Depression
• Relationship Issues
• Seasonal Affective Disorder
• Self Harm
• Separation and Divorce
• Sexual Abuse
• Sexual Issues
• Sexuality
• Smoking
• Spirituality
• Stress
• Trauma
• Work Related Issues

Other areas of counselling I deal with

I often use CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy). This can help clients to have more awareness of how their thoughts, feelings and behaviour can reduce stress and anxiety in their lives.

Therapies Offered

• Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies
  - Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Humanistic Therapies
  - Person-Centred Counselling
  - Gestalt Therapy
  - Transactional Analysis
  - Transpersonal Psychology
  - Existential Therapy

• Other Therapies
  - Integrative

Fees

Counselling:

£35 per 60 minute session/ £35 for couples

£25 per 45 minute session - children & young people up to age 16

Initial session:

30 minute introductory session - no charge

I can offer concessionary rates for Student Counsellors and people on a low income.

Further Information

I have specialist training in bereavement and loss.
I am a Supervisior for bereavement support volunteers.
I work in a quiet location, within a 10 minute walk, or few minutes drive from Central Exeter, with free parking directly outside and easy access for disabled clients.

You are very welcome to phone, text or email the link at the top of the page for more information.

I have an enhanced CRB disclosure (2011) and current Level 3 Safeguarding training to enable me to work with children, young people & vulnerable adults.

• Online, email or telephone counselling available

Member Organisation(s)