Lindsay Austin MBACP (Accred)

What experience do I have?

I qualified as a Counsellor in 2004 and subsequently gained *Accreditation with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I am also a qualified Clinical Supervisor.

I have worked continually as a Counsellor since I qualified, in private practice, as an employee and as a volunteer, which has given me many years of experience working with a wide range of problems.

What training do I have?

My core training is in the person centred approach although I have added to my skills over the years with additional training including CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and SFBT (Solution Focused Brief Therapy). I have attended many training events in a variety of subjects and continue to do so, which keeps me updated and my skills refreshed.

What kinds of issues do I work with?

I have experience of working with a wide range of problems including anxiety and depression, stress, low confidence and self-esteem, relationship difficulties and loss. I have worked with adults from all walks of life including couples, some of whom have been diagnosed with mental health conditions such as Bi-polar, Borderline Personality Disorder, PTSD and Eating Disorders.

This list is not exhaustive so if you do not see your particular difficulty listed, then please contact me to find out if I can help.

Specialist Area of Work

My specialist area is working with adults who have experienced sexual assault and rape and historic childhood sexual abuse. This experience has come from working at the Charity First Light, formerly known as Twelves Company, from 2004 to 2019 and who used to run the SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) in Plymouth. This work includes Pre-trial Therapy which is used to support people who are going through the Criminal Justice Process. I know that it is possible to live a life without the negative effects such an experience can have on someone. My motivation for continuing this work for so long has been by witnessing the difference this work can have on someone's life.

How do I work?

I always aim to work in a way that suits you. No two people are the same and everyone's experience is different. I value each person’s uniqueness and am always happy to talk about how we may work together. I believe that whichever model or approach is used, the most important aspect of whether counselling is helpful or not, is based on the relationship that is created between the client and therapist.

How many sessions will we need?

My work is short or long term and the possible number of sessions will be discussed at the start. We will review this at regular intervals and can adjust whenever we feel necessary.

Supervision

I also offer clinical supervision and have experience of working with both qualified and trainee counsellors. My role at First Light (formerly Twelve's Company), as Senior Counsellor until early in 2019, has given me valuable experience in developing and delivering a specialist training package to Student Counsellors and then supporting and supervising them through their placements. In my role of leading the therapeutic team, it included supervising qualified volunteer counsellors.

I also have experience of working in the NHS.

I welcome you to join me to see if you feel you would work well with me. (Normal fees will apply)

If you are interested, please click on my supervision profile for more information.

Where am I?

My base is in Tavistock where I use rooms that are both comfortable and private and which also benefit from free parking.

For Supervision sessions, I work from home which is also in the Tavistock area and with parking.