Lorraine Bygrave Psychotherapist and EMDR Practitioner Trauma Specialist

I am an experienced Accredited Psychotherapist and an Accredited EMDR Practitioner.

I am also an Approved Adoption Counsellor by Barnado's LINK.

I provide both in person and online therapy for people across Essex I also proide online therapy for people all over the UK and over the world.

The service I provide is friendly and empathic without judgement.

I specialise in trauma. I also help people who are suffering with feelings of anger, anxiety, depression and stress.

Relationship problems is also something else I can help you with.

I am the Director of Benfleet Counselling and Psychotherapy Ltd. It is a successful, busy practice located in the heart of Benfleet helping people locally and also from many locations across Essex and London.

I have adapted my therapy sessions to enable me to work online. This has enabled her to help people from all over the country and over the world.

The online platforms that are used are Zoom and Bilateral Base. Bilateral Base is an online platform that has been specially designed to support EMDR Therapy, which has been proven to be very effective.

I have experience in helping children from the ages of 5 to adults of all ages.

I  believe that seeking therapy isn't a sign of weakness it's a sign of STRENGTH. It shows that you are unhappy with your life at this moment in time and you are now ready for CHANGE. It's a step in the right direction.

I will be there for YOU to LISTEN and HELP you find the ANSWERS.

One of the hardest things is making that first phone call, I understand how difficult it is but once that call has been made it shows a sign that your inner strength is helping you through.

I will help you to explore your own thoughts and feelings and develop skills that will help you now and in the future. I will help and support you in finding your own insights and ways of working through your difficulties.

Counselling can help with confidence, communication, assertiveness and anger problems. It can help you to look at things from another perspective.


I am fully insured, and an accredited EMDR Practitioner, aswell as an accredited member of The National Counselling Society. I am registered with the BACP and hold a certificate of proficiency.  I also hold an enhanced
DBS certificate for working with children.

I am committed to on-going professional development and regularly attends courses to enhance my knowledge and keep up-to-date with the newest innovative approaches.

What happens...


Firstly an assessment appointment is made, either by email, text or telephone, which ever is more convenient for you. A brief description will be given on what is troubling at this moment in time.

At the assessment I will find out a little more about you, your history, medication, heath issues etc and then discuss  your reasons for seeking therapy. I will also discuss your expectations, goals and where you would like to be with your life in the future.
In this meeting we will both be able to decide whether we feel comfortable working with each other.

I will explain how I work and which type of therapy would help you most in your current situation.

I will help you to find the root cause of your issues, confront them and move forward into a new more satisfying lifestyle, whilst offering a safe environment for you to explore the issues that are affecting your life.

Therapy Approach

My approach is integrative. This means that I am able to draw on all of my trainings and previous client experiences, life experiences and utilize use a wide range of counselling approaches, which will enable her to assess your needs and offer a unique service to each individual.

Some of my therapy approaches include EMDR (Eye Movemement Desensitization and Reprocessing), CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), TA (Transactional Analysis), SFBT (Solution Focussed Brief Therapy) Person Centred, Pyschodynamic and Mindfulness.

People seek counselling for many types of reasons but they all have one thing in common and that is unhappiness but the willingness to want to bring change to their lives.

Change can be difficult and can bring up a whole abundance of emotions. I will be there to support you through that journey.

I will be able to help you to discover new skills which you never knew you had.

Seeking counselling is a positive step in the right direction,

Why choose me for therapy?

• Tailored therapy for each client
• Friendly
• Professional
• Confidential
• Caring
• Non-judgemental
• Fully qualified
• Fully insured
• Safe and comfortable environment
• Provides counselling for all ages
• DBS checked
• Accredited Member of  Professional Bodies.
• Adoption Trained
• Committed to Ongoing Professional Development