Lara Cresswell
Every professional displayed on Counselling Directory has been independently verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.
This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Day and evening appointments, both online, by telephone, and in-person from a private counselling room in Warrington, Cheshire.
Confidential Support for Adults and Young People (13+)
I'm Lara. I work with people feeling overwhelmed and stuck, whether they’re facing recent challenges or unresolved issues from the past. I help them understand their struggles, manage difficult feelings, and explore ways forward. Together, we create a safe space where they recover and find the confidence to achieve their goals.
Specialising in recovery from trauma and childhood issues, I often work with individuals feeling trapped in unfulfilling or harmful situations and people-pleasing. I help them prioritise their needs, let go of expectations, and live more freely as the person they would like to be.
Person-Centred Therapy
I offer a private setting to discuss whatever you wish without pressure. No judgements, hurrying you, or asking probing questions. Though I may offer new perspectives and possibilities, we work together at your pace, towards the changes that you are looking for.
I bring commitment and a sense of humour to my work. I’m often given feedback by clients that they experience me as down-to-earth and accepting with a hopeful energy. I strive to create a safe and affirming space for all identifies.
Training, qualifications & experience
I have a broad understanding of life’s challenges, built on my core training and attendance at extensive short courses and workshops. With 30+ years' combined experience as a counsellor and social worker, I know how hard it can be to open up about troubling experiences, but also that, with the right support, people can overcome the most difficult of pasts and circumstances.
Main qualifications
- BA Hons Community Studies (Social Sciences)
- Post-graduate Diploma in Social Work
- Certificate in Counselling
- Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling
- Certificate in Online & Telephone Counselling
- Advanced Certificate in Clinical Supervision
- ADHD Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CSSP) - ongoing
Experience before Private Practice
- Counselling in a male prison
- Sexual abuse and domestic violence recovery services
- Therapy in specialist (SEMH) secondary education
- Online mental health support
- Bereavement coordinator role
- Adult helpline services
- Child protection social work
- Residential social work with young adults
Member organisations
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
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.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Confidential Online Therapy Across the UK - Zoom and Phone Sessions
If you are looking for support that fits a busy lifestyle, are struggling to find the right counsellor locally, or suffer from extreme anxiety, online sessions may be the ideal solution for you. As long as you have access to a quiet, private space, you can fit your therapy around family and work commitments, and continue your sessions while on holiday, away for work, or even if you relocate. Must attend from within the UK.
Outdoor Therapy
I offer walk-and-talk therapy as an alternative to indoor sessions. Instead of sitting face-to-face, we walk side by side outdoors, exploring issues in a natural setting. This can create an increased sense of equality, enhance relaxation, and be especially helpful for those feeling stuck in their therapy.
Individual and Group Supervision (see link to supervisor profile)
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
Free initial in-person, telephone or online session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Initial Chat
I offer a FREE-OF-CHARGE in person or remote introductory session (of about 30 minutes). There’s no pressure, just a chance to explore whether we’re the right fit for each other.
My Fees
1-hour Counselling Session: £50.00 (£40.00 for trainee counsellors and students 18+ in Full-time Higher Education)
1-hour Supervision Session: £50.00 (£40.00 for trainee counsellors).
Fees payable in cash or by card reader. Payment for online sessions and young people’s counselling is made in advance via payment link. Fees can be invoiced to employers/third-party organisations.
When I work
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | |||||||
| Afternoon | |||||||
| Evening | |||||||
| Night |
I offer some Saturdays. Please enquire.
Further information
Meeting you where you’re at
I understand that everyone’s needs are unique, and I’m happy to make adjustments where possible. Let me know if there’s anything that would help you feel more at ease and supported in sessions. Adjustments might include changes to the counselling room, session length or scheduling, built-in breaks, written materials about counselling, or simplified versions of contracts.
