Leah Orr

About Me

I provide a safe and confidential space for us to explore aspects of your past, present and future that may have contributed to emotional unease. I will encourage you to explore current thoughts, emotion and behaviours to gain insight into the impact it may have on your life. My hope is that within our combined relationship we can come to a place of understanding, re-discover your own resources and develop your full potential.

I have over 18 years' experience working in the field of trauma and addiction which now scaffolds the work I provide. Within this time, I have supported local youth charities to raise funds and create a counselling pathway, alongside operating a successful private practice for general counselling needs. In recent years I have provided counselling and consultation for children, families and workers in the youth care sector, as well as holding an adult client base.

Through experience, I recognise a dynamic approach is essential to address each client's unique needs. The integrative approach involves aspects of 'Humanistic' (person centred and relational), 'Psychodynamic' (awareness and understanding of the past on future behaviour) and 'Cognitive Behavioural Therapy' (understanding the connection between thoughts, emotions and behaviours) to ensure we're well equipped for what's discovered within the work and develop valuable coping strategies to aid future wellbeing. I endorse the use of 'creative therapies' where appropriate as we cannot always find the words to express how we feel.

Part of the unique experience of being human is that capacity of the imagination. Although this aids self-awareness, and empathy, it can also induce fear or confusion, amplifying supressed elements of our past in a way that has a negative effect on our present and future. Fortunately, breakthroughs in neuroscience have provided greater understanding of the human brain which allows exploration of different issues with insight.

It is my belief that unpleasant life experiences can lead to a disconnection between the psycho-somatic, in other words our body and mind. Bringing them into alignment can improve overall well-being. Therefore, I take a holistic approach, taking into consideration all aspects of your life that may have contributed to psychical or emotional discomfort.

What to expect in your first session

Coming to counselling for the first time can seem like at daunting process, for this reason I encourage each individual to come in for an initial consultation. It's a chance for us to get to know each other without any obligation to proceed. Within this space we can look at your hopes, expectations and establish what goals we are working towards. The process is open to review at any time to ensure your objectives are being met.

I'm available by phone or email if you would like to make contact first or arrange a brief conversation before arranging an initial consultation. I aim to respond to enquiries within 3 working days.

Supporting Information

I have a consultation room on the outskirts of Bury st Edmunds, 'The hall on the Green' within the picturesque village of Hawstead, just outside of BSE, which also affords the opportunity to work outside. Research has proven that connecting with nature has a positive effect on our well-being. Where appropriate I will use the beautiful outdoor space surrounding the Hall to work Mindfully, depending on clients' needs. In recent times it has ensured that 1-1 work can continue safely in the quiet meadow by the Hall. The consultation room also provides a space to work at a safe distance.

Telecommunications

In response to client's needs, I also offer sessions via telecommunications, phone, skype or zoom as it offers the flexibility people need. I can ensure this takes place in a confidential space and will discuss expectations in advance to ensure clients are comfortable too.

Nature Based Work

I have recently trained in ecopsychology and offer 1-1 support in beautiful woodlands within the Suffolk countryside. Nature based work provided a valuable alternative to the traditional concepts of counselling using rooms and indoor space. Held in peaceful and beautiful surroundings in the Suffolk countryside, quiet woodlands, that offer the space to sit or walk in Nature, whilst being guided, talking and working through personal difficulties together in the same way counselling sessions usually work. working outdoors offers more to the experience as we are able to draw on nature's resources. Nature has a capacity to sooth us, growing evidence shows that being in natural spaces is not only beneficial for our wellbeing, has a significant effect on our ability to regulate emotional, and can reduce stress, anxiety and depression.

Nature is in a constant process of change, the ebb and flow, seasons and cycles, often replicate transitions we experience in the human world.  The metaphors presented in nature-based work can be a powerful vehicle for self-understanding, but it can also facilitate a capacity to reflect more deeply into us and our lives. I will ensure as much as possible that the sessions are safe and contained, we can discuss arrangements in advance and what to expect from the sessions.

I have supported clients through many difficulties that impact on psychological health. Although each client I've worked with brings their unique identity and experience in life, common themes have emerged. Examples include anxiety, bereavement, suicide, depression (including suicidal ideation) stress management, eating disorders, bullying, addiction, emotional dysregulation, social isolation, self-worth, mental health - including diagnosed conditions, attachment, relationships and trauma.

I currently work with adults and young people.

I have a membership with Matrix College of counselling and psychotherapy, I am registered with UKCP and work within the ethical guidelines of UKCP and BACP. I hold a clear and current DBS record.

£55. Concessions may be available following individual discussion and consideration.

I've worked within the field of substance misuse since 2004, initially within criminal justice and later community support. Within this time I facilitated groups and provided 1-1 support using CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Counselling and Mindfulness, delivering interventions to a diverse client group. Initially I completed a diploma in working with addiction and continue to provide support in this area.

I qualified as an integrative psychotherapeutic counsellor as I was keen to provide a broader range of services to a mixed client group and was encouraged by witnessing the positive outcomes being achieved by peers within the field. Initially I provided counselling to young people and adults affected by substance misuse and have now set up private practice which covers a broad range of problems affecting psychological health.

Following training as a Mindfulness practitioner I have been fortunate to deliver a Mindfulness based relapse prevention programme within a substance misuse treatment service, a proven technique to combat a range of problems, including emotional dysregulation, stress and trauma. This technique has become valuable within my 1-1 work.

In my experience difficulties faced in life can affected self esteem and restrict opportunities. I'm passionate about providing counselling to young people, especially in areas of deprivation, to equip them with productive coping strategies early on. For this reason I volunteered in youth services, to support staff building a counselling pathway and delivered session to young people between 10-25. Following the pilot we were successful in accessing funding to enable the project to provide greater opportunities for future generations.

As counselling presents a unique story for each client, having ongoing training and support is essential. In addition I have regular supervision to ensure ethical standards are being maintained.