Lisa Briffett MA MBACP (Senior Accred)

Counselling provides a space to be truly listened to, reflect on your life, and make changes where need be.  *During this period I am working remotely by Zoom and will return to face to face work when possible*. I am a BACP Senior Accredited counsellor with over twenty years' experience.  I have been a qualified supervisor for over ten years.

You may be feeling stuck and talking things through in the company of another person can help you move forward.  My way of working is to explore where your feelings, thoughts and behaviours have come from and then look at coping skills to soothe and manage any of those that are not helpful to you.

In counselling, I offer 1:1 work with adults and with young people aged eleven and onwards for mid to long term work using psychodynamic talking therapy and mindfulness from the ACT model. Sessions are held weekly, ideally at the same time each week to give continuity.

Many issues might bring someone to counselling; anxiety, stress, depression, panic, relationship, health or work problems, identity, loss, change, repeating patterns of unhelpful behaviour.  You may need support understanding your past experiences and/or managing a current situation or problem.

My working model is probably best described as integrative as it combines:

Using a psychodynamic approach to strive to understand how the past has influenced present thoughts, feelings and behaviour and explore unresolved issues while making any changes that the client needs in their life. This may include finding ways of doing things differently where possible. 

The use of creative arts such as image making and sand tray can work to access what might be in the unconscious and increase self awareness.

Using techniques from the ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) model we may use mindfulness strategies to learn to manage what you cannot control and make moves towards your goals and values. The ACT model looks to accept negative thoughts and emotions as part of normal psychological functioning and commit to actions that build a better life.

My years working within the NHS have given me experience of being alongside clients with a variety of health issues.  This includes supporting the person with a health condition and their family members or carers. 

I offer support while clients are going through transition times and life changes, such as leaving home, starting work or University, having a family, moving house, planning a retirement or career change.
 
I have specialist training in working with young people who are struggling to cope at school, college or at home. I have worked in schools and local charities with children and young people for many years. 

In addition I see people training to be counsellors, therapists or allied health professionals who need to explore their own personal development.

Appointments are available during the day Monday to Friday and also on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.  I work from a room separate from my house and parking is available on the driveway. 

I am a qualified Clinical Supervisor seeing individuals and small groups.

I am fully insured and hold an enhanced DBS check.

I offer academic support for those engaged in the accreditation process or who need support in completing coursework for counselling/therapy work.