Lara Cresswell

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MBACP, MNCPS, Dip.Couns, Cert Sup, Dip.SW, BA (Hons)

About me

BACP and NCPS-registered counsellor & former social worker.  Enhanced DBS.  30+ years combined experience.

I'm Lara.  I work with individuals who feel overwhelmed and stuck. I help them manage difficult feelings and find ways forward.  Specialising in trauma, I frequently work with adults feeling trapped in unfulfilling situations and patterns of people-pleasing.  I help them prioritise their needs, set limits, and live as the person they truly are.  

Whether you’re seeking acceptance, clarity, confidence, or a sense of calm, I offer a confidential setting to discuss what matters to you without pressure.  No judgements, hurrying you, or asking probing questions.  While I may offer new perspectives and possibilities, we move gently at your pace towards the changes you want to make.

Training, qualifications & experience

My core training is in Person-Centred counselling.  I have also undertaken further courses in other approaches (e.g. CBT, psychodynamic, solution-focused), alongside training in trauma, safeguarding and child protection. 

Main qualifications:

  • Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
  • Certificate in Online & Telephone Counselling
  • Advanced Certificate in Clinical Supervision
  • ADHD Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CSSP)
  • Post-graduate Diploma in Social Work
  • BA Hons Community Studies (Social Sciences)

Experience before Private Practice: 

  • Counselling in prisons
  • Therapy in sexual abuse and domestic violence recovery services 
  • School counselling (specialist SEMH and mainstream)
  • Online & telephone helplines
  • Bereavement Support
  • Social work in child protection, family courts, and residential care

Member organisations

Registered / Accredited

Registered / Accredited

Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.

NCPS
National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)

The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

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

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
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.

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
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

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 when away from home.

Outdoor Therapy

I offer walk-and-talk therapy. Instead of sitting face-to-face, we walk side by side outdoors, exploring issues in a natural setting.  

Individual and Group Supervision

I provide supervision (and therapy) to counsellors and trainees practicing Person-Centred and Integrative counselling.  See my Supervisor profile.

Therapies offered

Photos & videos

Fees

Concessions offered for

  • Students
  • Trainee counsellors

Additional information

Initial Chat

I offer a FREE-OF-CHARGE in-person or Zoom 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).

1-hour Supervision Session: £50.00 (£45.00 for trainee counsellors).

Sessions may be scheduled flexibly to suit your needs.

Fees are 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
Early morning
Morning
Early afternoon
Late afternoon
Evening

Further information

If you’d like to explore working together, feel free to get in touch..  I'd love to hear from you.

Warrington, Cheshire, UK, WA4

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

Dedicated, ground-floor counselling room with separate entrance. Parking available immediately outside. Not wheelchair-user accessible.

Online platforms

Zoom

Supervision

In person
Online
Phone

I offer Person-Centred Supervision to trainee and qualified counsellors, working with adults and young people.

View supervision profile

Lara Cresswell
Lara Cresswell