Heidi Lester

Hello, I’m Heidi — a highly experienced and compassionate counsellor.
Welcome, and thank you for taking the time to visit my page.

Life can feel overwhelming at times. Difficult events, emotions, and thoughts can weigh heavily on us, and it can be hard to carry that load alone. Talking things through with someone who understands can help you make sense of your experiences, normalise your feelings, and find a way forward.

We can all go through periods of anxiety, stress, depression, sadness, anger, or hopelessness — and it can feel like we’ve lost control. If that sounds familiar, please know you’re not alone. My role is not to give advice, but to walk alongside you, offering support, understanding, and a safe space to explore whatever you’re going through.

My background

I am a qualified counsellor, supervisor, lecturer and psychotherapist with 25 years’ experience supporting adults and young people.

• I run a successful private practice in Manorbier.
• I was the senior Counsellor at Pembrokeshire College (10 years).
• Lead lecturer for the CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, with many years’ experience training counsellors.
• Extensive experience in secondary schools.
• Affiliated Counsellor for local organisations including Milford Haven Port Authority, ATEB, The Salvation Army, Pembrokeshire College, and Pembrokeshire County Council.
• Qualified online therapist offering email, instant messenger, and video call sessions.
• Supervisor for the School Based Counselling Service and a number of private supervisees across Wales and the UK. I also support counsellors based globally including America and Doha. 

How I Work

My practice is rooted in the Person-Centred approach — a non-directive way of working that trusts in your ability to find the right path for yourself. It focuses on the “here and now” and helps you create clarity and understanding around your challenges.

I also work integratively, drawing on different approaches when I feel they will be helpful. I believe each person is unique, so our work together will be tailored to your needs and circumstances.

Additional Support

I also share support and encouragement on my social media accounts, (Tik Tok, Instagram, You Tube and Facebook) offering tips, insights, and reflections to help you navigate life’s challenges.

Therapy Applied – Therapy-Informed Resources
Alongside my counselling and psychotherapy work, I have created Therapy Applied, a collection of practical, therapy-informed downloadable guides designed to help you understand yourself, your emotions and the challenges you may be experiencing.

Drawing on my 25+ years of experience as a counsellor, psychotherapist and clinical supervisor, these resources bring therapeutic ideas into everyday life in an accessible, practical and supportive way.

The guides cover topics such as anxiety, overthinking, self-worth, intrusive thoughts, emotional overwhelm, boundaries and relationships. They are designed to give you something you can return to between therapy sessions or use independently if you are looking for some gentle guidance and reflection.

They are not a replacement for counselling or professional support, but can be a useful starting point for developing self-awareness, exploring your experiences and learning practical strategies.

You can explore the Therapy Applied collection and browse the downloadable resources here: Therapyapplied - Etsy UK

Specialism – Working with Young People

I have a master’s-level education in counselling and extensive experience supporting young people across the UK. I have worked in secondary schools, colleges, and other youth settings, helping young people navigate mental health challenges, life transitions, and the pressures of growing up today.

I am passionate about creating a safe, non-judgemental space where young people and young adults feel heard, understood, and empowered to explore their thoughts and emotions. My work includes supporting students, young professionals, and young adults from diverse backgrounds, both in person and online.

I also host the podcast “We Are All FINE”, (Flawed, Insecure, Nervous and Emotional) aimed at young people to offer guidance, encouragement, and practical tips for coping with life’s challenges.

Special Interest – Menopause Support

I have both a personal and professional interest in menopause, and I have completed Simona Stokes’ EMBERS Menopause-Informed CBT course. This training builds on my knowledge and enables me to:

Help you manage physical and emotional symptoms.

Support you in making changes through the pillars of wellbeing (sleep, exercise, self-care, relationships, etc.).

Empower you to feel more in control and positive about your experience.

If you’d like to talk about how you’re experiencing menopause, we can explore how I can support your journey.

What to Expect

I’m warm, approachable, and non-judgemental. I aim to create an environment of trust, respect, and confidentiality where you can explore your feelings safely. I work with empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard to help you shift how you see your challenges — and ultimately to help you feel better emotionally.

Finding the right counsellor is important. I encourage you to get in touch to arrange an introductory call, so you can get a sense of whether we’re the right fit for each other.

Supervision for Counsellors

I offer supervision rooted in the Person-Centred Approach, drawing on empathy, congruence, and acceptance, alongside a range of therapeutic techniques from my counselling experience.

Supervision focuses on four key areas:

Educative – Supporting your learning and professional development.
Responsibility – Monitoring ethical and practical aspects of practice.
Supportive – Providing care, encouragement, and constructive challenge.
Therapeutic – Exploring how your own experiences may impact your work.

I am committed to providing a safe and reflective space, helping you grow as a practitioner while understanding what to expect from our sessions.

Finding the Right Supervisor

Choosing the right supervisor is essential for your professional growth and wellbeing. A good fit ensures you feel safe, supported, and challenged, allowing you to explore your practice openly, reflect on your experiences, and develop your skills confidently.

I also work extensively with trainee counsellors, drawing on my experience as a lecturer and mentor. This gives me insight into the challenges of learning and developing as a counsellor, and I can provide tailored guidance, encouragement, and professional support at every stage of your training.

PROFESSIONAL FEES

Face to face counselling support

My fees for counselling adults and young people are £55 per 60 minute session.

Online counselling support

My fees for counselling on Googlemeet, What’s App video/audio, Zoom, Teams or Instant Messenger are £55 per 60 minute session.

My fees for counselling via email are £55 per reply.  I spend 60 minutes replying to each email. You can send as many as you wish to me during our contracted work together, but I will reply once a week to you. You will work with me over a safe and encrypted email provider.

Supervision

Fees for a 60 minute supervision session are £60 per hour.

Fees for a 90 minute supervision session are £80.

Please note: To secure all initial appointments, a 50% deposit is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due on or before the session date.

Information for Young People About Counselling

Stuck? Trapped? Scared? Anxious? Confused?
Not sure where to start? Start here…

Being a young person isn’t always easy. There can be pressure to look, behave or feel a certain way, while social media can make it seem as though everyone else has everything figured out. It’s completely understandable to sometimes feel anxious, overwhelmed, confused or unsure of yourself.

Sometimes things can build up to the point where your thoughts and feelings become difficult to manage, or you simply don’t know how to make things feel better.

You don’t have to work it all out on your own.

Counselling gives you a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space to talk to someone outside your family and the people you know. You can talk about whatever feels important to you, at your own pace. Together, we can make sense of what you’re experiencing, understand your thoughts and feelings, and find ways to help you cope.

I have over 25 years’ experience working as a counsellor and psychotherapist, alongside a Master’s Degree in Counselling Children and Young People (MCCYP). I have worked with young people aged 11–25 for many years, giving me a strong understanding of the different challenges and developmental stages young people experience.

I can support you with:

Anxiety, low self-esteem and low mood
Depression
Stress, anger and emotional overwhelm
Exam and academic pressure
Self-harm or thoughts of suicide
Relationship or family difficulties
Bereavement and loss
Bullying
Sexuality or identity questions
Negative or overwhelming thoughts
Trauma and difficult experiences
Feeling lost, stuck or unsure about yourself

You don’t need to know exactly what’s wrong before you come to counselling. Sometimes the first step is simply having somewhere safe to talk.

Whatever you bring, you will be met with respect, understanding and without judgement.

Sessions can take place face-to-face or online, depending on what feels most comfortable for you.

 
Information for Adults About Counselling
Sometimes you just need someone who will really listen.
There are times in life when things feel difficult to manage, and you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed, anxious, low or simply unsure about what to do next.

Perhaps you have people around you but still feel that you don’t have anyone you can truly talk to. Or perhaps you would prefer to speak to someone professionally trained to listen without judgement.

Counselling can provide that space.

I am a qualified counsellor, psychotherapist and clinical supervisor with over 25 years’ experience supporting people through a wide range of emotional and life difficulties.

I offer a safe, calm and welcoming environment where you can talk openly about what is happening for you. We can explore both current difficulties and experiences from the past, helping you understand yourself and what may be contributing to how you feel now.

My approach is collaborative and person-centred. You remain at the heart of the work, and we will work together at a pace that feels right for you.

Counselling can help you to:

Understand and process difficult feelings
Make sense of your experiences
Develop healthier coping strategies
Recognise your strengths and resources
Build self-awareness and confidence
Reduce emotional distress
Navigate relationships and life changes
Feel more able to move forward
There is no set number of sessions that everyone needs. Some people find a short period of counselling helpful, while others benefit from longer-term support. We will discuss your needs together and agree a plan that feels appropriate for you.

I work with a wide range of presenting issues, including:
Anxiety and stress
Depression and low mood
Panic attacks
Bereavement and loss
Relationship difficulties or breakdown
Family difficulties
Emotional confusion or feeling overwhelmed
Work-related challenges
Self-esteem and confidence
Past abuse or difficult experiences
Sexuality and identity
Life transitions and change
This list is not exhaustive. If you are unsure whether counselling could help, please get in touch and we can talk about what you are experiencing.

If I feel another counsellor or service would be better suited to your particular needs, I will always be honest about this and, where possible, help you identify an appropriate alternative.

Therapy Applied – Therapy-Informed Resources

Alongside my counselling and psychotherapy work, I have created Therapy Applied, a collection of practical, therapy-informed downloadable guides designed to help you understand yourself, your emotions and the challenges you may be experiencing.

Drawing on my 25+ years of experience as a counsellor, psychotherapist and clinical supervisor, these resources bring therapeutic ideas into everyday life in an accessible, practical and supportive way.

The guides cover topics such as anxiety, overthinking, self-worth, intrusive thoughts, emotional overwhelm, boundaries and relationships. They are designed to give you something you can return to between therapy sessions or use independently if you are looking for some gentle guidance and reflection.

They are not a replacement for counselling or professional support, but can be a useful starting point for developing self-awareness, exploring your experiences and learning practical strategies.

You can explore the Therapy Applied collection and browse the downloadable resources here:

Therapyapplied - Etsy UK