Lester Chern

I'm Lester, I offer experienced, compassionate counselling for bereavement, trauma, depression and relationship difficulties. I provide a warm, non-judgemental space where individuals and couples can talk openly and feel understood.

Whatever has brought you here, you do not have to work through it alone.

I am an experienced, professionally qualified counsellor who has worked with individuals and couples since 2001. I offer a warm, caring and secure space in which you can talk openly about what is troubling you, without fear of criticism or judgement.

I work particularly with:

• Bereavement, including sudden and traumatic loss
• Trauma and its lasting emotional effects
• Depression, low mood and loss of purpose
• Relationship difficulties, separation and divorce
• Men’s mental health
• Recovery from narcissistic abuse

Bereavement can be overwhelming at any time. When a death is sudden, traumatic or unexpected, grief may be accompanied by shock, anger, guilt, unanswered questions or distressing memories.

I have extensive experience of complex and Tier 3 bereavement, including supporting people affected by suicide, sudden death, road traffic accidents and the Grenfell Tower fire.

I previously worked within an NHS-sponsored IAPT Complex Grief service, supporting people affected by suicide and other forms of sudden death. I was also part of the London Fire Brigade’s Staff Counselling and Trauma Service for almost nine years, providing counselling to members of the brigade experiencing both personal and workplace difficulties.

There is no correct way to grieve and no set timetable that you should follow. Counselling can give you the space to talk honestly about the person who died, the circumstances surrounding their death and the effect the loss has had on your life.

My wider experience of trauma includes working as part of a specialist team supporting people affected by childhood trauma, abuse and addiction.

Depression and emotional difficulties
Depression can affect every part of life. You may feel exhausted, isolated, numb or unable to imagine that things could change. You might find yourself withdrawing from other people or struggling to express how you really feel.

In my experience, we are all capable of healing and growth when we feel safe, understood and able to express thoughts and feelings that we may otherwise suppress.

Together, we can explore what you are experiencing, understand the factors that may be contributing to how you feel and consider what could help you move forward.

Relationships and couples counselling
Relationships can bring connection and happiness, but they can also become a source of conflict, pain and uncertainty.

I support individuals experiencing difficulties including relationship breakdown, separation, divorce, affairs, betrayals and family conflict. I am also professionally qualified to work with couples.

Couples counselling can help you:

• Understand one another more clearly
• Explore recurring patterns of conflict
• Recognise misunderstandings and unspoken needs
• Communicate more openly
• Rebuild trust and connection
• Consider the future of your relationship

I provide a neutral and non-judgemental environment in which both partners have the opportunity to feel heard. You may want to improve and continue your relationship, or you may need support to bring it to an end in a considered and mutually respectful way.

Men’s mental health
I have considerable experience supporting men with issues that can be difficult to discuss openly. These include depression, suicidal feelings, relationship breakdown, separation from children, difficulty expressing emotions and coping through excessive alcohol or drug use.

Counselling provides a confidential space where you do not need to hide what you are experiencing or have all the right words. We can begin with whatever feels most important to you.

Recovering from narcissistic abuse
I also support people who have experienced narcissistic or emotionally abusive relationships.

You may have been repeatedly criticised, undermined or made to doubt your own feelings and memories. Over time, this can affect your confidence, identity and ability to trust your own judgement.

Counselling can help you make sense of what has happened, reconnect with your own needs and begin rebuilding your confidence and sense of self.

What counselling with me is like
My core approach is person-centred. This means I recognise that you have your own experiences, values and perspective on the world. I will do my utmost to understand your feelings empathically and without judgement.

I communicate in clear, everyday language rather than using unnecessary therapeutic jargon. My qualifications and breadth of experience allow me to adapt our work to your individual circumstances and what you hope to gain from counselling.

Therapy may be relatively short term, lasting approximately six to 12 sessions, or it may continue for longer depending on your needs and preferences.

I work with people aged 18 and over from a wide range of backgrounds and ethnicities. I am also registered to work with clients through Bupa, AXA Health and Aviva.

Sessions and location

I offer:

• Face-to-face counselling
• Online counselling using Zoom or WhatsApp
• Telephone counselling
• Individual counselling
• Couples counselling

My practice is situated on a quiet residential road in Dunstable. Free, unrestricted parking is available nearby.

If you would like to find out whether I may be the right counsellor for you, you are welcome to contact me.

£65 per full hour for Individual Counselling.

£65 per hour for Clinical Supervision or £ 100.00 for 90 minutes 

Couples Counselling is £100.00 for 90 minutes 

Payable by Cash,  or Bank Transfer

I specialise in working with Men's issues, such as Male Suicide, employment or estranged Fathers. I also specialise in working with survivors of Narcissistic Abuse by a parent, spouse, other relatives or employers.

If further information is required please contact me via email or phone. All in strictest confidence.  

Feedback from clients

“Lester was absolutely incredible. He was so intuitive and drew such accurate conclusions about us, both individually and as a couple. It stunned me.”

Couple, mid-thirties

“Lester has made a profound difference to our lives. He has helped us put our family back together and to be happier and more harmonious.”

Couple, late-thirties

“Lester is a fantastic counsellor and an amazing person. He has always been non-judgemental and offered helpful observations. I could not have resolved my issues without Lester’s help and support.”

Male client, early forties

“I am very grateful for the support, understanding and techniques shown to me by Lester, helping me to rebuild my confidence and giving me the tools to deal with my problems in the future. I am extremely grateful for his invaluable help and kindness.”

Female client, mid-thirties