Heidi Lester

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Pronoun: she
Counsellor Young People, Adults, Supervisor MA. CCYP. Ad.Dip

About me

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 daily 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.

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.

Training, qualifications & experience

As a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, (BACP), I work within their ethical framework and guidance. This is provided within a safe and confidential environment where being honest, genuine and non-judgemental are at the core of the therapy.

Professional qualifications include:

  • Master of Arts in Counselling Children and Young People
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Children and Young People
  • Professional Supervision for Counsellors Level 4 Certificate
  • EMBERS Menopause-Informed CBT course
  • Post Graduate Certificate in Education
  • Diploma in Counselling Skills
  • Taming the inner critic
  • Certificate in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
  • Certificate in Online Counselling Skills
  • Certificate in Counselling Skills
  • Child Protection Training Level 1 - 3
  • Safeguarding Training Tier 1 – 2
  • ASIST Suicide Awareness trained
  • Understanding Sexual Offenders
  • Working Creatively with Play and Drama
  • Teenage Sexual Health Awareness
  • Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

I also write and deliver workshops around emotional intelligence, mindfulness and stress and anxiety reduction.

Member organisations

BACP
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP)

BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.

Accredited register membership

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
Accredited Register Scheme

The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).

This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.

British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

Areas of counselling I deal with

Photos & videos

Fees

£55.00 per session

Concessions offered for

  • Low income
  • Keyworkers
  • OAPs
  • Students
  • Trainee counsellors
  • Unemployed

Additional information

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 Skype using Webcam, 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.

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Early morning
Morning
Early afternoon
Late afternoon
Evening

Further information

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. Life can feel stressful and overwhelming, with pressures to look or act a certain way. With your life constantly on display through social media, it’s normal to feel anxious, worried, or unsure about yourself. Sometimes difficulties can feel impossible to solve, and your thoughts and feelings may become distressing. Talking to someone outside your family can help you work through these experiences, understand what’s normal, and find ways to cope.

It can be hard to talk to parents or family members about your feelings. Counselling offers a safe, non-judgemental space to be heard, build trust, and explore your thoughts and emotions. Together, we can develop coping strategies and help you make sense of the world around you.

I hold a Master’s Degree in Counselling Children and Young People (MCCYP) and have worked with young people aged 11–25 for many years. This gives me a strong understanding of developmental stages and the challenges you may face. I can support you with issues such as:

Anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, low mood
Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
Anger, stress, exam pressure
Relationship difficulties or family issues
Bereavement or loss
Bullying
Sexuality or identity questions
Managing negative thoughts or trauma
Whatever you wish to talk about, it will be met with respect, understanding, and confidentiality. If meeting face-to-face feels difficult, we can also work together online.

Information for Adults About Counselling
If you feel like you have no-one who will truly listen, or you would prefer to speak to a professional listener, counselling may be the right step for you.

I provide a safe, calm, and welcoming environment for one-to-one counselling. You can talk openly about your experiences without fear of judgement. Together, we will explore the issues you are facing, whether they relate to current challenges or past experiences, and work out a plan to address them. My aim is to help you:

Understand and process your feelings
Develop coping strategies
Identify your strengths and resources
Move forward and reduce emotional distress
The number of sessions needed varies for each person. We will agree together on a plan that suits your needs.

I work with a wide range of presenting issues, including:

Anxiety and stress
Depression or low mood
Panic attacks
Bereavement or loss
Relationship difficulties or breakdowns
Family issues
Emotional confusion
Work-related challenges
Self-esteem issues
Past abuse
Sexuality or identity questions
This list is not exhaustive. Please contact me if you would like to discuss your situation. If I am not the most suitable counsellor for your needs, I can recommend other reputable therapists in your area.

Manorbier, Pembrokeshire, SA70

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Young people (13-17)
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Organisations
Employee Assistance Programme

Key details

DBS check

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

I have ample parking available. There is a small step up into my therapy room.

Online platforms

Google Meet
Whatsapp
Zoom
Microsoft Teams

Supervision

In person
Online
Phone

Qualified supervisor, and lecturer in counselling qualifications bringing extensive experience of client work including young people.

View supervision profile

Social