Lisa Mass MBACP (Snr. Accred)

Hello,

I am a BACP Senior Accredited Counsellor, and have 30 years’ experience of counselling adults, families, young people & children. I also provide support for health professionals, & training and supervision for counsellors, teachers & other support staff.

My specialism is working with illness and bereavement. I also work with adults and children experiencing a range of other difficulties.

If you, or someone close to you has been diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness, you may be:

Shocked by the diagnosis
Undergoing difficult treatment
Living with uncertainty
Unsure how to explain things to your children
Fearful the illness will get worse or come back
Struggling to find a 'new normal' when treatment has ended
Facing your own end of life, or that of a loved one

I understand the 'roller-coaster' ride you may be on, and can provide a safe space where you don't feel judged, and can talk about whatever you need to, You don't need to protect me, in the way you might with those who are close to you.

If someone you love is seriously ill, whether this is a partner, a parent or a child, having someone neutral to talk to about the situation can help.

If you have been bereaved, you may be:
Finding it difficult to cope or feel overwhelmed
Experiencing a sense of disbelief & feel lonely, shocked, tearful, angry, regretful, guilty, fearful, anxious or relieved
Struggling to sleep or function day to day
Worried about your future
Worried that your friends and family will get fed up of listening to you                   Unsure how best to support your children

When someone close to us dies, we can be affected in different ways and each of us will grieve at our own pace and in our own way. Various things will influence our grieving process. For instance, the age of the person and their relationship to us, the way in which they died, whether they were part of our daily lives, whether we had a good or difficult relationship with them, how those around us are dealing with their grief, how we have coped with previous losses and what other current difficulties we may be experiencing. Perhaps we have ill-health ourselves, dependent relatives, relationship difficulties, work pressures or financial worries.

The loss of someone important to us may mean we have to take on additional responsibilities, learn to do things we have not had to do before, and find new meaning and purpose in our lives

I have extensive experience of supporting children, adults and families who have been bereaved through sudden or anticipated illness, old-age, accidents, suicide and murder.

Sometimes people ask..

‘What is the point of counselling? It can’t fix things! It can’t bring the person back!’

Sadly, this is true. However, counselling can support you while you navigate your grief, and support you to find a way to live with your loss.

You may be concerned about your children and how best to support them. They may also benefit from having someone neutral to talk to.

Perhaps there are other issues that are troubling you or your children?

You may be having relationship difficulties,  Your self-esteem may be low and there may be aspects of your life that you would like to change.

Perhaps your children have issues with low confidence, friendship issues, anxiety, or parents splitting up..

I am able to listen to you, and support you through this difficult time in your life, and help you to develop coping strategies or make changes that feel right for you.

Talking to someone neutral about your thoughts, feelings, worries and difficulties can make a difference.

I am currently offering online and telephone sessions. This can work really well for adults and young people, as long as there is somewhere you can talk freely, without being overheard. I hope to be able to offer face to face sessions again very soon.

Please get in touch for an initial conversation so that we can discuss how counselling can help you or your family with your difficulties.

If you would like further information about me please go to my website or contact me directly by phone or email.