Lis Starkey-Smets
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
Hello, my name's Lis and I'm an integrative counsellor and psychotherapist.
I understand that taking the first steps to seeking professional help can be very daunting, and that opening up to a stranger is not an easy thing to do. Let me assure you that together, we can work at a pace that feels comfortable to you.
You can contact me via telephone, text or email - whichever you feel most comfortable with. If you'd like to arrange a mutually convenient time for a 10-minute informal chat on the phone (free-of-charge) we can arrange this. Alternatively, I can let you know what available appointment slots I have, and we can arrange to meet for an initial 50-minute face to face session.
In the first session I will tell you a bit about how I work and you will have the opportunity to tell me about the difficuties you are experiencing. You decide what you are comfortable sharing with me. Some people like to "get it all out there" whereas others give me a little peek into their lives, with the rest coming in later sessions, when they are ready. There is no right or wrong here.
You will have the opportunity to ask any questions, and it is then up to you to decide whether you would like to make a follow up appointment.
Now a little bit about me...
As an 'integrative' psychotherapist / counsellor I have trained in a range of therapeutic approaches, and develop a way of working with you that is most appropriate to your unique needs and experiences.
As a therapist, I offer:
- a genuine desire to help, and to learn about you and the difficulties you are facing.
- a relationship based on acceptance and respect.
- the ability to really listen, and to respond empathically and with sensitivity in order to support you in addressing the difficulties in your life.
- a willingness to adapt my approach to suit your uniqueness as a person with your own distinctive needs.
Training, qualifications & experience
I have been working as a counsellor / psychotherapist since 2013. Before setting up my private practice in 2017 I worked as a volunteer counsellor at the Parenting Project as well as for Age UK. Prior to this I was a domestic violence support worker with Victim Support, and a primary school teacher.
I now run my private practice, working with adults aged 18 or over experiencing a whole range of emotional difficulties.
I view every client that I work with as an individual, rather than a set of symptoms or a label, aiming to listen to your unique story and to understand your experiences and needs.
Qualifications:
- BSc Psychology (2004)
- Certificate in Counselling Skills (2005)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education (2008)
- Graduate Certificate in Integrative Psychotherapy (2013)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Integrative Psychotherapy (2014)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy (2015)
- MSc in Integrative Psychotherapy (2019)
Member organisations
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.
The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society
This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations.
In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. 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
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£60.00 per session
Free initial telephone session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
I charge £60 per 50 minute session.
You're very welcome to book a free 15-minute telephone or Zoom (online video) call if you'd like the opportunity to speak with me before booking an appointment.
When I work
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | |||||||
| Afternoon | |||||||
| Evening | |||||||
| Night |
Further information
You can find out a bit more about me and what I do by visiting my website. Please do get in touch if you have any questions or would like any further details. I'm happy to talk on the phone, or answer any questions via email, without obligation for you to make any further commitments.
