Lauren Russell

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she/her
B.A., Pg Dip Counselling, COSCA Cert, (MBABCP) Accredited

About me

I am a Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapist, and an accredited member of the BABCP, qualified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), with a specialism in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

We all need a little help during difficult times and sometimes we need that extra support when we feel overwhelmed. Seeking help when we are feeling vulnerable can be daunting and anxiety provoking. I provide a non judgemental, safe and confidential environment, tailored to your specific needs and at your pace. Together we can identify and challenge thinking patterns and styles, and draw on a range of evidence-based approaches — including EMDR — to provide you with the strategies you need to help build a more positive future.

How can counselling help me?

  • to develop a more resilient mindset, to help you bounce back from future setbacks
  • to provide a safe, non judgemental place to talk, without being interrupted
    to have somewhere to explore how, what and why you think the way you do
  • to be able to look at the impact of your thinking, in a constructive and impartial way
  • to develop skills to change unhelpful thinking
  • to solve problems, set goals and develop solutions
  • to identify and work with unhelpful thinking and behavioural patterns
  • to help develop more effective communication skills
  • to help recognise and stop negative behavioural patterns
  • to understand and manage intrusive thoughts and compulsions associated with OCD, using ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention)
  • to process and move past distressing or traumatic experiences, using EMDR 

Training, qualifications & experience

I am an Accredited Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapist, qualified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), and I work in an integrative way, incorporating other modalities of therapy to suit the clients' requirements. I work with anxiety disorders (Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder & Phobias), Depression, low self esteem, perfectionism, appearance concerns and anger management.

Whatever issue you bring, even if it seems overwhelming or even too small, therapy can help. Together we will work to achieve your goals.

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.

BABCP
British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP)

The BABCP is the lead organisation for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in the UK. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in the practice, theory or development of CBT. BABCP also provides accreditation for CBT therapists. BABCP accredited members adhere to the Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics in the Practice of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies, and are willing to be scrutinised in this adherence as required.

Accredited register membership

British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies
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 Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies

Areas of counselling I deal with

Other areas of counselling I deal with

I have specialist experience working with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), intrusive thoughts, and anxiety-related conditions. If you're struggling with intrusive thoughts, please know this: they are a symptom of OCD, not a reflection of who you are, what you want, or what you would ever do. So many people feel ashamed or afraid to talk about the thoughts they're experiencing — I want you to know that whatever you're carrying, you can bring it here without fear of judgement. Together, we can work through presentations including:

Relationship OCD
Pure OCD (Purely Obsessional OCD)
Contamination OCD
Harm OCD
Sexual Orientation OCD
Paedophilic OCD
Moral or Religious OCD (Scrupulosity)
Responsibility OCD
Checking OCD
Symmetry & "Just Right" OCD
Health Anxiety OCD (Somatic OCD)
Existential OCD
Hit-and-Run OCD
Sensorimotor OCD (Sensorimotor/Hyperawareness OCD)
Perinatal/Postpartum OCD
Suicidal/Self-Harm Intrusive Thoughts OCD


I also work with low self-esteem and confidence, helping you build a kinder, more balanced relationship with yourself.

Therapies offered

Photos & videos

Fees

£70.00 per session

Health Insurance/EAP

  • Allianz
  • Aviva
  • Axa Health
  • BUPA
  • Cigna

Additional information

15 Minute Initial Phone Call — Free
60 Minute In-Person & Online Session — £70

The initial phone call is a no-obligation chance to ask questions, share a little about what's going on for you, and get a feel for whether we're a good fit to work together.

Therapy begins with an assessment of your current issues and symptoms. Together, we'll discuss what's brought you to therapy and work collaboratively to build a plan with specific, clear goals.

Most therapy runs for around 6–12 weeks, after which fortnightly or monthly top-up sessions are available if helpful.

Cancellations require a minimum of 48 hours' notice. Sessions cancelled with less notice than this will be charged at the full rate.

I am registered with the major health insurance providers; however, I do not process claims directly. Clients wishing to use their health insurance are responsible for submitting their own claims for reimbursement.

When I work

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

Further information

Appointments available between 1pm and 6pm, Monday to Thursday. Sessions last approximately 60 minutes and include additional resources emailed after each session.

In-person sessions take place in my lovely outdoor studio, offering a calm and private space. I aim to create a warm, relaxed atmosphere where you can feel comfortable to speak openly.

Online sessions are held via Microsoft Teams — a link will be sent ahead of your appointment, and no download is required.

Bookings can be made via the online booking link on this profile.

As a BABCP-accredited practitioner, I work within their code of ethics and conduct, and I am in regular clinical supervision to ensure a high standard of care.

Confidentiality is maintained in line with professional guidelines, with the usual exceptions where there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others.

Kilmacolm, Inverclyde, PA13

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
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

PVG Scheme

In Scotland, criminal records checks are carried out by Disclosure Scotland. Professionals working with children or vulnerable adults must join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. You can learn more at mygov.scot , or contact this professional directly.

Wheelchair user access
Wheelchair user access

Wheelchair-accessible premises should have step-free access for wheelchair users and individuals who are unable to climb stairs. If a Counsellor's premises aren't step-free, they may offer alternative services such as telephone/web-based appointments, home visits, or meeting clients in different location, so you can choose the option that suits you best.

You can contact the Counsellor to discuss the options available.

Under the Equality Act 2010 service providers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access their service. You can read more about reasonable adjustments to help you to access services on the CAB website.

Online platforms

Microsoft Teams
Whatsapp