Leah Orr
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
About Me
I have worked in therapeutic environments for over 20 years and been on the receiving end of therapeutic practices that have greatly enhanced my life. Through my own experiences and subsequent training, I am a trauma informed and integrated therapist. I have experience in delivering 1-1's and group work based on CBT, ACT, Motivational interviewing and DBT and delivered a 12 week mindfulness based rehabilitation programme. I then trained as an addiction counsellor, 'Integrative psychotherapeutic counsellor', 'creative counsellor for children and young people', and 'eco psychologist', Grief Tending Facilitator and recently a Gestalt supervisor.
With awareness of how important the relationships is to the process, I aim to meet you without judgement, in 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 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. I'm embarking on setting up eco - therapy groups and grief tending spaces in the new year. Details will be on the website.
Through experience, I recognise a dynamic approach is essential to address each client's unique needs. The integrative approach means we can access a range of techniques to see what works for each individual, making he process person centred and relational, whilst holding in mind elements of your past that impact current and future behaviour.
Awareness of neuroscience and breakthroughs in the field, have provided greater understanding of the human brain which allows exploration of different issues with insight, especially around integrating trauma. Its often necessary to share psychoeducation around how our body and mind react to trauma and what it needs to heal.
Collective generational trauma and individual 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 and improve our 'window of tolerance', or our capacity to cope. 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 request a call first so we can have a brief conversation. It's a chance for us to get to know each other without any obligation to proceed. Next step will be an initial consultation, within this space we can look at your hopes, expectations and establish what goals we are working towards. I have experience in creating thorough care plans to aid rehabilitation and recovery. 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, which 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 to work Mindfully, depending on clients' needs.
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
Having trained in ecopsychology, I offer 1-1 support in beautiful woodlands within the Suffolk countryside. Nature based work provides a valuable alternative to the traditional concepts of counselling using rooms and indoor space. Held in peaceful and beautiful surroundings that offer 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. My training with 'Natural Academy', for eco psychology, involves creating deeper connections with nature that provide 'Mirrors to the self', and finding internal resources within the framework of the four directions, north, east, south and west. Building deeper connections with nature improves well being and supports emotional regulation, whilst enhancing environmentally friendly practices.
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 member of BACP. I work within the ethical guidelines of UKCP and BACP. I hold a clear and current DBS record.
Training, qualifications & experience
- BSC hon Integrative Counselling
- Diploma in Addiction Counselling,
- Diploma in creative counselling with children and young people.
- Certificate in Mindfulness.
- Certificate in using Mindfulness with children and young people.
- Certificate in Transactional Analysis
- Certificate in Client Centred Counselling
- Certificate in Reality Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Drug and Alcohol Awareness
- Group work and Facilitation
- Eating Disorders
- Peer Mentoring and youth work
- Art and Play in the counselling and therapy session
- Working with Gestalt
- Safeguarding Awareness
- Working with issues of adolescence
- Working creatively with anger
- Overcoming trauma related shame and self-loathing
- Family Systems
- Working with sand trays.
- Acceptance and commitment therapy
- Certificate in Trauma therapy
- ARC framework (Attachment and Regulation Competency, working with trauma).
- Telecommunication training - online therapy institute
- EMDR in action
- Ecopsychology
Member organisations
school 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.
The UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) is a leading professional body for the education, training and regulation of psychotherapists and psychotherapeutic counsellors. Its register is accredited by the government's Professional Standards Authority.
As part of its commitment to protect the public, it works to improve access to psychotherapy, to support and disseminate research, to improve standards and to respond effectively to complaints against its members.
UKCP standards cover the range of different psychotherapies. Registration is obtained by training or accrediting with one of its member organisations, or by holding a European Certificate in Psychotherapy. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
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
Photos & videos
Fees
£55.00 per session
Free initial telephone session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
£55. Concessions may be available following individual discussion and consideration.
When I work
My working days are Monday - Thursday
Further information
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.
