Lauren Cross

I am a Counsellor specialising in Walk and Talk Therapy. Using outside spaces and walking within a session can provide great therapeutic benefit.  Many find the prospect of sitting in an enclosed space overwhelming or may simply find walking makes talking easier. Working both in nature and in more urban areas, our surroundings and being in our bodies can provide new perspective and a sense of calm. I am an integrative counsellor bringing elements of cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, breathwork, gestalt and creativity into my sessions. My practice is underpinned by inclusivity and a person-centred approach, and I believe in the healing qualities of nature and bring this to my practice, both working in a therapy room and outside.

As a Counsellor I will be with you as you explore your thoughts and feelings, present in the moment and able to be with you in what may come. I can use humour in the sessions, acknowledging the absurdity of life and as way to break from intense thought cycles. I believe that taking joy in the moments and in all that life can bring has great value in difficult times.

You may come to therapy feeling stuck, overwhelmed, grieving or just struggling with the stuff life throws at you. Counselling can both ease emotional distress and empower you to move forward with your life. 

I work in a number of ways depending on the client and their needs:

Walk and Talk therapy

Walk and Talk Therapy can be very powerful for those who find movement can help them to process their thoughts and feelings. Initial sessions may take place in a Counselling room or over video call, where we can have a consultation and agree on a route for our next session. I believe in the power of being outside to bring perspective, a sense of calm and am always willing to explore a combination of outdoor and indoor therapy.

 Short-term counselling

Short-term counselling can be effective when dealing with specific issues, in this instance the work will be focussed and will often look at the client’s strengths and mindset to develop practical skills to overcome adversity. Work can be done on holistic wellbeing, looking at where the client finds time for physical health, relationships, self-care and discovering a new balance in life.

Long-term Counselling

Long-term Counselling can offer a space for greater depth in the therapeutic relationship and time for greater exploration, giving the client skills to recognise their own patterns and be able to bring greater balance and wellbeing to their life.

Young People

In working with young people making a therapeutic connection and allowing a space to be heard underpins all that I do. I recognise that a young person does not possess the same autonomy as an adult, but that their experience of the world is just as important and impactful. In this work, I help the young person to explore thoughts and feelings, develop an emotional language and help to make sense of their experience in a world that is far from normal.

£45 per hour, limited discounted rates available for those on low income