Lisa Waterhouse BSc (Hons)

Hello and welcome.

At times life can be filled with challenges, disappointments and sadness. Events or experiences may happen in our daily lives that are unexpected or we find very painful and difficult to recover from. Sometimes underlying issues such as trauma or low self worth can begin to surface and cause problems and we find it hard to cope. We can struggle with feelings such as despair, distress and hopelessness and it can seem too much to deal with alone.

Perhaps you are grieving, or suffering as a result of a trauma in your life and realise you aren’t coping. Or you might feel stuck in a relationship, struggling to manage negative behaviours or thought patterns and find yourself increasingly anxious, panicked, or depressed. Maybe life looks fine on the surface, but you feel you've lost your sense of enthusiasm, joy and pleasure in life. You may keep going, but know things are getting worse and find yourself at a place where you wonder if there is a way forward. ​

Everyone comes to counselling for his or her own reasons: we all have our own story and our own unique life experiences.  I offer a confidential and non-judgemental space to support you when life is at its most difficult and to help you achieve lasting positive change in your life. Whatever brings you to counselling, we will work together creating a space to work through your difficulties so you can move forward and recognise the things that you may feel are holding you back. In my experience, change really is possible.

I bring warmth and compassion to my work and will support you to understand what may be contributing to the unhappiness, distress or suffering in your life. Without understanding our own story, it is hard to achieve the change we hope for in the present. I believe that understanding, knowing and believing in who we are as individuals can help us to live bravely in our own skin and live the lives we want.

If your problems are shared with your partner, you may want to consider couples counselling. Relationships can provide us with some of life’s greatest joy and fulfilment, until they start to break down. Conflict is inevitable in relationships, but when we experience difficulties, we can feel sad, frustrated, lonely or depressed. If your relationship is in a difficult place, counselling can help you to move through your difficulties and conflict to improve your current relationship or manage a separation. You are welcome whether you are married, living together, separated, divorced or single and whatever your sexual orientation or identity.

Beginning counselling:

Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and for you to get a sense of how it feels to work with me. When we first meet, we will look together at what is happening for you, how it is affecting different areas of your life, and what you might like to be different. By the end of the session you will have a clearer understanding if beginning therapy is right for you and be able to decide if I am the right therapist for you to work with.

If you prefer, we can begin with a telephone consultation. Calls are always free and take about 15 minutes. I will ask a little about what you are looking for from therapy and you can ask me any questions you may have. From there, you can take some time to think about it or we can schedule your first session.

I currently work with both individuals and couples by video call. In person sessions will resume when appropriate and Covid restrictions allow this.

Sessions are usually weekly and last for 50 minutes. Longer sessions may sometimes be available if you prefer more time.

Client testimonials

"I was unsure about beginning therapy but I can honestly say it was the best decision I have ever made. I just dont have the words to describe what it has done for me in the past few months.  I have no idea where I would be now without therapy."

"Counselling has been such a support through a very difficult time in my life. It helps just knowing someone understands how you feel and is there for you. It really helped me get through this and has changed my approach to life."

"Lisa is perceptive and caring. I've had CBT before but coming to Lisa for counselling has been a good space to come to talk about what is really bothering me and helped me take into account things I couldn't see before. I can understand my emotions now and how I feel and have lots of tools and resources I didnt have before. It has made a huge difference, especially being able to cope and manage better."