Lorraine Harding

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MA, PGCE, Dip. Counselling/Psychotherapy, MCOSCA
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

location_on Elgin, Moray, IV30
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

About me

Everyone feels lost or stuck at some point in their life. Or it might be that you are worried about someone else. Maybe I can help? Beginning counselling takes courage and finding a counsellor who is right for you is a crucial first step towards healing.

Professional counselling offers a safe space where you have the opportunity to be truly listened to, valued and respected. In this environment, it is possible to gain a greater understanding of the presenting issues, and explore ways that bring peace and wellbeing.  We all have the ability to not only survive and overcome hardships, but to flourish, heal and create the life we desire. Counselling can be a catalyst for change and can help you access the immeasurable resilience you possess. You don’t have to do it alone.

Adult counselling

I work individually with adults using a person-centred/integrative approach to counselling, which allows me to help with most presenting issues, even those which are unique to you and your life. I address specific concerns such as anxiety, stress, depression, loss and grief, relationship issues, family and parenting issues and chronic health problems to name a few. Some clients have multiple concerns which overlap. I also deal more generally with clients who are looking to create more balance, connection or who seek direction in their lives. Every client is unique and I tailor each session to suit my clients’ needs.

Couples/Marriage/Relationship therapy

Some of the relationship issues that can be addressed in therapy include:

  • Frequent conflict and arguments
  • Poor communication
  • Emotionally distanced couples
  • Specific problems such as sexual difficulties, infidelity, money and parenting

Relationship Therapy involves helping you learn and practice tools which help you achieve a better relationship. I work with both couples and individuals who wish to wish to bring the tools home to a partner. I also offer relationship coaching workshops. 

Women’s Reproductive Health

A significant area of interest for me is women’s reproductive health issues, including infertility, pre and post-natal depression, termination and miscarriage. I have undertaken extra training in this field provided by Crossreach Bluebell Perinatal Service in Glasgow. If you are experiencing emotional, psychological and/or physical problems in regard to your reproductive health please get in touch to see if I can help you.

Children and Young People

Research shows that around 1 in 10 children and young people experience mental health problems. Issues such as depression, anxiety, low mood and conduct and eating disorders can have a hugely negative impact on wellbeing, relationships, work in school and therefore future life opportunities. Many more children and young people experience emotional health problems, which if left unattended can lead to more serious problems later on. These emotional difficulties could be due to family breakdown, peer group/relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, bullying and loss or bereavement for example.

I work one to one with children and young people of all ages. A counselling relationship gives these young people the opportunity needed to express, explore, understand and overcome difficult issues. Talking through difficulties in a warm, empathic and non-judgemental environment and defining and pursuing meaningful goals can help build resilience, develop insight and foster self-belief.

Work with younger children or children with learning needs might involve therapeutic play. Here there is no need for the young person to be able to express verbally their feelings or thoughts. Children act out, play or draw whatever comes into their minds and communicate in this way. Through play these children can find solutions to their problems or new ways of creatively dealing with their issues. A sense of control over their situations can perhaps be found and which increases self-confidence and can have a positive effect on behaviour and wellbeing.

If providing your child/young person with the opportunity to talk through/express their difficulties with a qualified counsellor is important to you, please contact me with any questions you have or to schedule a consultation.

Training, qualifications & experience

After studying for a MA French and German at university and living in France and Germany for a time, I decided to pursue a career in teaching and completed a post graduate degree in Secondary Education. Over time I moved away from teaching Modern Languages towards working with additional support needs in school. This work allowed me to work on a more one to one basis with pupils who had barriers to learning such as learning disabilities, physical disabilities, developmental challenges, chronic illnesses and/or social, emotional or behavioural difficulties. Thereafter, I worked with Educational services in the Autism team, where I liaised with teachers, parents/carers and outside agencies and also dealt one to one with pupils.

I realised that what I truly enjoyed was working one to one with people of all ages, listening to their stories and challenges and being of service to them in defining their issues with a view to overcoming them. I enrolled on a Counselling Skills course in Perth which opened my eyes to the world of counselling and incentivised me to learn more and more. A big focus of this course was creative counselling using art, music, writing and mindfulness.

I felt sure I wanted to continue my studies with a Diploma course which would allow me to become a qualified counsellor using an integrative approach, which I did in Edinburgh.  I completed my placement hours with the charity Crossreach in Buckie, who take GP and self-referrals and provide a much needed adult counselling service to Moray.  Through Crossreach I have been able to undertake further counselling training in Perinatal Counselling and Counselling Children and Young People.

Member organisations

COSCA
Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland (COSCA)

COSCA is the professional body for counselling and psychotherapy in Scotland, and seeks to advance all forms of counselling and psychotherapy and the use of counselling skills by promoting best practice and through the delivery of a range of sustainable services. COSCA Counsellor Accreditation is a pathway to entry onto the UKRC. It is a requirement of all individual and organisational members of COSCA to abide by its Statement of Ethics and Code of Practice and be accountable to the Complaints Procedure. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

Accredited register membership

Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland
Accredited Register Scheme

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.

Counselling & Psychotherapy in Scotland

Areas of counselling I deal with

Therapies offered

Fees

£30.00 - £50.00
Free initial telephone session

Concessions offered for

  • check_circle Low income
  • check_circle Keyworkers
  • check_circle OAPs
  • check_circle Students
  • check_circle Trainee counsellors
  • check_circle Unemployed

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

Immediate availability for face to face, online and telephone clients.

Further information

Please contact me for more information.

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Children (0-12)
Young people (13-17)
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)
Couples
Families
Groups

Key details

DBS check info

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

PVG Scheme info

In Scotland, criminal records checks are carried out by Disclosure Scotland. Professionals working with children or vulnerable adults must join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. You can learn more at mygov.scot , or contact this professional directly.

Wheelchair user access info
Wheelchair user access

Wheelchair-accessible premises should have step-free access for wheelchair users and individuals who are unable to climb stairs. If a Counsellor's premises aren't step-free, they may offer alternative services such as telephone/web-based appointments, home visits, or meeting clients in different location, so you can choose the option that suits you best.

You can contact the Counsellor to discuss the options available.

Under the Equality Act 2010 service providers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure that individuals with disabilities can access their service. You can read more about reasonable adjustments to help you to access services on the CAB website.

Additional languages

French
German

German

Online platforms

Skype
Whatsapp
Zoom
Doxy
Google Meet