Lisa Hartley

I understand that finding a way to start this journey can sometimes be difficult, and it may be a challenge to take this first step .  If you are experiencing feelings of anxiety, indecision or even fear, please know these are natural responses to thoughts around making changes in your life.

I offer support, and empathy in a warm, caring environment.  Working together, we will explore how feelings and experiences shape your thoughts and actions.  You will gain a better understanding of what makes you, you.  Finding ways to reach your own solutions and enabling you to live a more resourceful life.  Alternatively, I could simply be that non judgmental, confidential ear that you just don't have elsewhere. I want to get to know you as a "whole" - your difficulty does not need to define you.

I am dedicated to the counselling process, and wholly appreciate, through both professional, and personal experience, the rewards that a successful client/counsellor relationship can bring about.  

I have detailed below, some of my particular areas of interest and ways of working, so please do read through, but if you are uncertain I offer a free 20 minute "check it out" session - just let me know at enquiry stage if you would feel more comfortable with this option.  Alternatively, please call or email me for an informal chat if there is anything you are uncertain about.

My Approach.

I work as an integrative counsellor, which means that I draw upon a range of different approaches and methods, tailoring them to best meet the needs of each individual I work with.  I have a particular interest in brain body connections as it is widely acknowledged that up to 80% of traumatic experience is stored in the body.  I am fascinated by this aspect of our psyche and the way in which psychological difficulties show themselves through our bodies.  Using a variety of creative and integrative approaches to encourage access to the emotional memory, in addition to the cognitive memory. 

As a postgrad psychosexual student I am able to provide bespoke support in relation to *sex, and **sexuality. If any aspect of this part of your life is confusing or difficult, I can offer a safe space for you to speak freely, without judgment. 

I also very much enjoy working creatively using crafts, miniatures, drawings, photographs, stones and shells.  This can be particularly beneficial for younger clients, adolescents and those who struggle to put into words what is going on for them, enabling the use of senses rather than words.

Since qualifying in 2009, I have gained experience of working within the NHS, the Youth Service and private practice. I have counselled adults, young people, families and couples  in many areas including:

• relationship difficulties - self, partners, families, social
• low self esteem - confidence, self worth, hopelessness
• depression - low mood, feeling hopeless, guilt, difficulty in making decisions
• generalised anxiety disorder
• anxiety - panic attacks, stress
• suicidal thoughts
• infertility
• eating and body image
• pet bereavement
• alcohol/substance use
• * premature ejaculation, painful sex, orgasm, performance anxiety, erectile disfunction, sexual scripts etc
• ** gender, sexual preference/orientation, trans, polyamory, open relationships

I look forward to hearing from you.

Payment for full 50/60 minute sessions (£48 individual, £65 for intimate partners/relationships) can be made using bank transfer if this is convenient for you.  Receipts available on request at booking.

I am conveniently located in Salford, easily accessible from the East Lancs Road and the M602 (close to Salford Royal Hospital).  I have a purpose built, outside office which is welcoming, relaxing and comfortable.

I am registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and conduct sessions within the BACP Ethical Framework and in line with BACP guidelines.

Brainspotting

Approved by the British Psychological Society, Brainspotting is a powerful relational, brain-body therapy, which is used widely within the field of Trauma. Brainspotting helps clients to process and release core sources of emotional/ physical body pain, trauma, and various other distressing symptoms. It is found to be an effective treatment option for those experiencing Anxiety, Depression, Physical Illness (pain/ chronic fatigue), Stress, Complex Grief, PTSD, ADHD, Phobias, Anger Issues, etc.

Evidence suggests that trauma is stored in the subcortical/ mid-brain (emotional brain), which regulates much of what the body does. As a result, traumatic events can leave a physiological imprint in the body. Brainspotting allows the therapist to access a client's emotions on a deeper level, processing and releasing the neurophysiological effects of trauma, thus activating the body's innate ability to heal itself.

Individual counselling - £48 for each 50 minute per session.  (Sunday by arrangement - please contact me for further details).

Couples' counselling - £65 for each 60 minute per session.  (Sunday by arrangement - please contact me for further details).

Supervision - £75.00 per 90 minute session.

I can offer a limited number of reduced price sessions to unwaged/low income, and/or student clients.  Please ask about availability.

The frequency of sessions can be decided by yourself but would usually be either weekly or fortnightly. This can be negotiated between ourselves if you decide to continue with counselling.

We will review the work we have done together every 6 - 8 sessions where we will reflect upon work undertaken and plan ahead.

I can offer immediate appointments throughout the week and weekends.