Lesley Atkinson-Baldwyn
Every professional displayed on Counselling Directory has been independently verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.
This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
I am kind, non-judgemental and have worked with people from 18 to over 80
I offer phone and video counselling from a confidential space where we can not be overheard. There are no expectations - some know exactly what they need to discuss, others feel anxious, sad or depressed but are unsure exactly why
It’s OKAY to be scared. Being scared means you’re about to do something really, really brave.” (Mandy Hale) Why not contact me today and see how it might be to work together?
I am starting with some brief points which may help you to decide whether to make contact or read further.
I am fully qualified and maintain professional memberships and regularly update my knowledge and skills.
There are no expectations - some know exactly what they need to discuss, others feel anxious, sad or depressed but are unsure exactly why
There is no set time-scale - some attend for a couple of sessions, others for longer
There is no wrong - we work with what you need to on the day
I am kind, non-judgemental and have worked with people from 18 to over 80
I offer phone and video counselling from a confidential space where we can not be overheard
Please contact me in order to discuss booking
If it's your first time for counselling you may not know what to expect. I am a relational integrative counsellor which means I am trained in a range of approaches. These provide the tools to work with you and what you bring as a unique individual. Past ways of relating to others often have an impact on current relationships and working this way creates a space in which these patterns may be identified and worked with. It also allows you to explore your beliefs about yourself and your place in the world. If we work together there may be tears, but these may be because of joy, sadness, a sense of wonder, perhaps a feeling of relief when something becomes clear, or humour, or possibly a combination of them all!
My experience encompasses a diverse range of issues including (but not limited to) cancer (working within the NHS oncology service for over five years) addiction (substance misuse), abuse, anxiety, being heard, bereavement, betrayal, clarity, depression (including male), family issues, gender identity, grief, health anxiety, identity, loss, low self-esteem, relationships, self harm, suicide, trauma, and work related stress.
I have held voluntary counselling positions within a number of organisations and this has enhanced my depth of experience and knowledge whilst also reinforcing my belief that all people are valuable. In private practice this philosophy underpins my approach and the relationship we build recognises we are both human beings and honours our individuality, sameness and difference - working relationally means the relationship we are able to develop is key in how the process works for you.
Prior to becoming a counsellor I was employed in other environments, so consider myself to have a range of life experiences. I have also spent a number of years travelling and working in different cultures and have an awareness of difference and diversity. I am currently studying for a degree in psychology in order to add to the skill base I have
Please contact me requesting more information if you have any related questions.
Training, qualifications & experience
I completed my foundation degree at The University of Suffolk, gaining a Distinction, and was the Subject Ambassador for Counselling at the University.
I have completed a Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), hold a Diploma in Mindfulness Based CBT (Distinction) and have a certificate in Transactional Analysis. I have completed a BACP-accredited course in Couples Counselling. I am currently studying for a degree in Psychology.
Alongside my private practice, I am the joint lead for counselling for cancer patients and their loved ones/carers at Ipswich Hospital - this involves developing and running the counselling and therapy provision for cancer patients. I have experience with a diverse range of clients including (but not limited to) those with addiction, anxiety, bereavement, generalised anxiety disorder, health issues, relationship issues, family issues, work related stress, abuse, self harm, depression (including male), feeling sad, low self-esteem, betrayal and gender identity, alongside many others.
My voluntary work has allowed me to develop skills and knowledge within larger organisations and provided depth and breadth to my experience and understanding.
My last voluntary role was for CRUSE so I am able to provide support to anyone who has experienced bereavement, grief, complex grief and loss.
I worked for over three and a half years at Iceni Ipswich with substance misusers and their family members. In addition, I helped set up the LGBT counselling service in Suffolk and coordinated the counselling provision for over two years. I volunteered with Suffolk MIND.
Some of the courses I have attended:
- Leadership in Action – Vitae, 2014
- Foundation Course in Substance Misuse – NHS, 2014
- Transgender Awareness Training – Ipswich LGBT Network, 2015
- The Place of Sexuality in the approaches of Klein and Bion – University of Essex CPS, 2015
- Signs and Symptoms of Drug Use – NHS, 2015
- Nature vs Nurture – NHS, 2015
- The Healing Power of Therapeutic Repair – Dr Janina Fisher, 2016
- Meditative Techniques – TSYP, 2016
- Introduction to Existential Therapy – Existential Academy, 2016
- Emergency First Aid at Work - Red Cross, 2016
- Understanding Anxiety and Depression – University of Reading, 2016
- Building Trust, Love and Loyalty in Relationships J. Gottman and J. Gottman, 2016
- Overcoming Trauma Related Shame and Self Loathing - Dr Janina Fisher, 2016
- Child Safeguarding - University of Suffolk, 2016
- Safeguarding Adults at Risk– Suffolk MIND, 2016 - CRUSE, 2018
- TA 101 - UKATA (UK Association for Transactional Analysis), 2016
- Drug Awareness and Reducing Harm, NHS, 2017
- Conflict Resolution and Breakaway Training - Suffolk MIND 2017
- Couples Counselling - BACP Accredited, 2017
- ASIST (applied suicide intervention skills training) - LivingWorks, 2017
- Families and Beyond: An Introduction to Systemic Thinking - The Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust, 2018
- Bereavement support foundation course (Advanced Specialist training status with the National Counselling Society) - CRUSE Bereavement Care, 2018
- Bereavement support face to face - CRUSE Bereavement Care, 2018
- CBT for older People - University of East Anglia, 2018
- Bereavement support by telephone - CRUSE Bereavement Care, 2018
- Domestic Abuse – Breaking the Chain – NHS, 2018
- MBCT-Ca (Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy for Cancer) – Trish Bartley, 2018
- Bereavement Support Foundation course Level 2 – Ascentis, 2018
- The Challenge of Uncertainty - Ernesto Spinelli, 2018
- Supporting people with dementia and those close to them following bereavement - CRUSE, 2019
- Domestic Abuse Training – NHS, 2019
- Human Factors Training – NHS, 2019
- Various Cancer related training – Macmillan, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
- The Human Toolbox - Lindy Wheeler, 2019
- Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression - Level 2 - NHS, 2019
- Advanced Certificate in Clinical Supervision - Life-force, 2020
- Dementia Training - CRUSE 2019, NHS, 2020
I hope the information above tells you something about me regarding some of my training and experience. I am always happy to answer any questions.
I am also a qualified yoga teacher after completing two years of training in India.
I hold an enhanced DBS certificate and a Level 2 certificate in mental health awareness and have completed a Level 2 Foundation course in bereavement.
Member organisations
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
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
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Fees
£50.00 - £65.00
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Counselling sessions can be tailored to suit both long or short-term work, dependent on your needs.
Sessions last for 50 minutes and are via video or phone
I am happy to chat with you briefly prior to starting sessions or answer questions via email. This provides an opportunity to speak confidentially about the process and gain an idea about whether we might be able to work together and ask any questions you may have.
Fees vary - please contact me for further information
There are limited concessionary rates available in special circumstances.
When I work
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | |||||||
| Afternoon | |||||||
| Evening | |||||||
| Night |
Working with Skype/Zoom and phone. I aim to be flexible and accommodating. Please email me if you would like me as your counsellor so we can discuss what works for you.
Further information
I work via telephone and Skype/zoom in a confidential space.
My office hours are:
Afternoons, relatively flexible
Please check for current availability
