Lisa Williams


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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Hi I'm Lisa a fully qualified BACP/NCPS registered counsellor and supervisor in training. I have 10+ years of experience in many areas of mental health, such as anxiety, panic, depression, intimacy and relationship issues, family issues or low self-esteem.
In addition to that, I have extensive experience in supporting those experiencing loss, feeling stuck or trapped and those with attachment issues, low self-worth, lack of purpose and connection challenges. I also work with substance abuse and other un-healthy coping strategies .
What brings your here ... ?
Noisy messy head ... so many voices or parts of you speaking at once, grabbing for your attention, so noisy that you just can't think straight, perhaps it feels like you need to run or fight.
Silence ... no thoughts or feelings, empty head and body, emotionless, numb and flat like you just want to give up!
Has a recent situation or life event left you feeling confused, emotional or empty? Or maybe issues from the past are bubbling up to the surface causing uncomfortable or unbearable thoughts and feelings? Or are present and past issues merging together, leading to an even heavier and more confusing state of mind and body!
Life in general can feel heavy, suffocating and like it’s lacking in pleasure, this can leave you feeling stuck or trapped like there is no resolution to the problem or way out.
Relationship issues, financial difficulties, parenting or family challenges, intimacy problems, poor self-esteem or low self-worth, loss of any kind, attachment issues…. The list of life challenges goes on!
The jumbled messiness and twists and turns of life can lead to feelings of hopelessness, lack of energy or chaotic thoughts. Perhaps you feel a sense of failure, inability to concentrate, fluctuations in appetite, sleep problems, or even thoughts you’d be better off harming yourself or not being here at all…
If any of this resonates with you or strikes a cord, read on ...!
My approach
I draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches such as, person-centred, gestalt, psychodynamic and trauma focused theories. I use a range of techniques and interventions which are tailored to meet your unique needs and preferred ways of working. I have experience in working with a range of ways with clients from talking therapy to more creative approaches such as parts work, psycho-education, sand tray, guided imagery, mindfulness and somatic body awareness.
In our collaborative work together, we may begin with symptom reduction so you feel better in the here and now. Over time (or from the outset) we’ll work towards gaining a deeper understanding of the ways your experiences, relationships, behaviours and interactions past or present have shaped your life and you as a person. We’ll use that knowledge and understanding to better connect you with who you are now. We’ll work on raising awareness of your beliefs about self and the world around you and the patterns and behaviours that may be impacting your life. Through this work, you will be able to develop new ways of thinking, build a better understanding of yourself, and build on your emotional understanding and resources. This will enable you to better align with your own goals and values so you can better support yourself beyond therapy.
Our relationship
Successful therapy is rooted in the therapeutic relationship, this should be a space in which clients can be themselves, feel comfortable, relaxed, free from fear of judgment and bring all parts of themselves. This means all topics and subjects are welcome, nothing is taboo or off limits, you are free to speak and explore as you wish. I am fully open to discussing anything in-depth or at a surface level with you.
Many clients have expressed the challenge and discomfort at the thought of silence in a counselling session. I understand that for many clients, anxiety and fear arise during prolonged periods of silence. While I do understand and appreciate the importance silence plays in a counselling session in allowing crucial processing time of thoughts and feelings, I will use it sparingly and appropriately. I will check in with you to see how it feels, whether it’s helpful and how long you need to think and process. Together we’ll figure out what feels good.
My approach is encouraging of a two way engagement, I will be an active part in guiding the sessions. I will meet you human to human in the room, I will walk alongside you, sometimes I’ll follow you and other times I’ll lead. I’ll achieve this by talking to you, sharing my thoughts, asking questions where appropriate and of course listening to all of you. We’re in this together.
Where and how I work
I offer both on-line and face-to face counselling session.
Online therapy is offered via google meets. This is a free and simple to access platform with minimal to no set up time required.
Face-to-face appointments are offered in my private counselling office between Goffs Oak and Cheshunt in Hertfordshire. There is plenty of onsite parking.
I understand that reaching out for therapy can be daunting and anxiety provoking. To help aid this process, I offer free 20 minute consultation so we can get to know each other a little first. I also provide pictures of the site so you can familiarise yourself before you arrive.
If you have any questions please drop me an email, text message or give me a call. I’m always more than happy to chat.
Training, qualifications & experience
My Qualifications
I'm a qualified Integrative, Person-Centred Counsellor and hold the following Qualifications:
- Clinical Psychology – Masters of Science Degree (Distinction)
- Psychology – Bachelor of Science Degree (First Class Honours)
- Integrative Therapeutic Counselling – Level 4 Diploma
- Clinical Supervision - CPCAB Level 6 (in progress)
- Bereavement Support – Ascentis Level 2 Certificate
- Trauma Informed Practice - Certificate - Counselling Tutor
- Counselling Online - Open University & BACP Level 2 Certificate
- Fertility Counselling Foundation - British Infertility Counselling Association, CPCAB Accredited
- Addressing Postnatal Depression - BPS Approved Certificate University of Exeter
- Parent Child Therapy - Advanced Practitioner certificate
- Mindfulness in Schools - Practitioner Certificate
Experience
With both professional and first-hand experience of many mental health and life challenges, I bring a wealth of knowledge to my counselling practice. I’ve worked for over 10 years in the NHS, education and charitable sectors and for local authorities in a variety of capacities. Beginning my career in psychology, I have conducted academic research at degree and master’s level in the field of psychology as well as lecturing psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. At present I work as a Trauma and Addiction Recovery Therapist for a Hertfordshire based Community Interest Company. This enables me to draw on a rich and diverse range of experience to support mental health and well-being recovery.
As a result of my extensive training, knowledge and mental health sector experience, I specialise in supporting individuals who are feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, through working with both the mind and the bodily sensations associated with panic and distress. I have experience in helping people navigate these relentless, difficult thoughts, feelings and emotions. Together, we can develop skills and techniques that will help bring a sense of ease, safety and control, we can then unravel the reasons behind your feelings, enabling you to worry less and enjoy life more and feel safe again.
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
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 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.

BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
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
Fees
£60.00 per session
Free initial telephone or online session
Concessions offered for
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
Initial Consultation: Free 20-minute phone or video consultation
When I work
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