Tania Lucas

The main focus of my work is helping those trying to cope with bereavement and loss, relationship issues, identity issues anxiety and depression.

Many of us experience painful losses in our lives, which may be the loss of a loved one, or significant person, the loss of a job, home, or the loss of our sense of identity at significant stages in our lives, for example, on retirement, or when children leave home, or as we get older and reflect on our lives and what we have achieved, and what we still hope to achieve.

Often, bereavement and loss can lead to a struggle to find meaning in our lives, and can leave us with many unanswered questions, as to why things happen the way they do.

Sometimes we grieve a different sort of loss: a difficult and painful childhood, or a relationship that we feel should, or could have been different, and which has continued to effect us throughout our life, leaving us with feelings of deep sadness, anger and regret.

Sometimes people feel 'stuck', as if something is preventing them from moving past their loss.

I would describe myself as working from a humanistic, and person-centred approach.

I believe in the uniqueness of each human being, and that we all have a unique purpose, or reason, for being here.

I work with current issues, but also feel that it is important to look at past experiences, including childhood, to help me to understand and connect with the whole person, because it is that person that comes to me, and those experiences that have helped shape who you are, and how you experience things, at this time in your life. You carry those past experiences, feelings and relationships, with you to this moment.

I believe that an important part of helping you to move forward, in a more positive way, is about helping you to leave some things behind, especially negative beliefs and behaviours, and helping you to choose what to carry forward with you into a different, and more fulfilling, future.

My past experiences include working at a GP surgery offering time-limited generic counselling, and at an addiction support agency offering long-term counselling to those suffering from substance misuse, and to their families, or others, affected by someone else's substance misuse.

Over the last 7 years I have specialised in bereavement counselling, working with a local bereavement service offering time-limited support, and at a local hospice offering more long-term support.

Initial assessment free, followed by low-fee counselling, to ensure that counselling is available and affordable to those who feel it may offer some support at this time.

Time-limited / long-term available.

Assessment: Free.

Fees (per session): £30 - £40.

Low fees offered to ensure counselling is available and affordable to those who feel they could benefit from counselling support.