About me
Hello, I'm Lou, an Integrative Counsellor with over twenty years experience supporting people through many of life's most difficult times. I offer a calm, non judgemental space where you can explore whatever has brought you to counselling, at your own pace. I will help you to feel safe, accepted and supported with whatever you are facing.
Over the years I have worked with clients of all ages who have come to counselling to help navigate life transitions. My practice is shaped by my compassion and belief that we all need support at times, and we all deserve to feel heard, understood and supported.
Many people come to me for support with anxiety, loneliness, relationship difficulties, neurodiversity, loss, trauma, anger, low mood, life transitions, overwhelm, or a sense of feeling stuck or disconnected.
My job isn't to 'fix' but to listen, encourage and support, as you explore and make sense of your experiences and patterns to help you reconnect with your inner strengths and resources
I have worked in the counselling profession for two decades, both in the voluntary sector and in private practice. My Integrative training enables me to use a range of approaches and modalities, adapting to your individual needs.
Some clients find it helpful to explore their concerns using a creative approach such as: sand tray, images, chair work, visualisation, and I have relevant training in these fields, so can offer this if needed.
I offer short or long term support, either weekly or fortnightly, depending on what works best for you. In addition to face to face and online sessions, some clients prefer to walk and talk.
Alongside my private practice, I volunteer with St Wilfred's Hospice, supporting individuals living at home, in hospital and in care settings. I am also trained as an End of Life Doula and a Soul Midwife, offering gentle, holistic support to people approaching end of life and to those who love and care for them. This work has shaped my therapeutic approach profoundly, grounding it in compassion for each person's unique experience.
I also co-host a local Death Cafe, where we meet monthly to talk openly about death and dying.
It's important to find a counsellor you feel comfortable with, so I offer a free, no obligation 20 minute introductory meeting, either online or by phone to find out what brings you to counselling.
Please email or message me if you would like to arrange this.
As a Registered Member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists, I follow their Code of Ethics, confidentiality and good practice. I have regular supervision from a highly qualified supervisor to support my practice and I attend regular professional development and training.
Training, qualifications & experience
Profesional Qualifications:
- Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling, BACP Accredited. 2008
- Certificate Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CPT) 2009
- Certificate Relationship & Couple Counselling, 2012
- Diploma in Clinical Supervision, 2013
- Cert Supervision, Cruse Bereavement Care Exeter, 2010
- BEd Degree (Primary)
End of Life & Bereavement Training
- Diploma Soul Midwifery 2025
- Foundation End of Life Doula 2023
- Bereavement Support for Children & YP (CRUSE) 2010
- Bereavement Support Adults (CRUSE) 2008
Experience:
- Private practice as a counsellor since 2010 and clinical supervisor
- Clinical Supervisor 2010 - 2020
Counselling Experience in the Voluntary Sector
- supervised groups and individual Cruse volunteers 2010-2013
- Bereavement Support to adults (Cruse) 2008 - 2013
- Counsellor at Compass House, Exeter NHS Mental Well-Being & Access (anxiety & depression)
- General Counsellor with adults at Margaret Jackson Centre, Exeter
- School Counsellor at South Dartmoor Community College
Professional Membership:
Registered Member of BACP (British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy)
Member of End of Life Doula UK : Doula in training
Member organisations
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
Other areas of counselling I deal with
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) can help clients with anxiety, negative thinking and low self-esteem.
I am a trained Mindfulness teacher and research shows that regular practice can be very helpful for a range of issues, such as low mood, anxiety, negative thoughts, busy minds, work overload and stress.
I may suggest creative ways of exploration in the session, using a range of materials, such as images, writing, sand tray, chair work, sculpting and drawing, but this will always be your decision.
As well as training with Living Well Dying Well in Lewes, I have completed my Diploma training as a Soul Midwife with Felicity Warner. I am a volunteer with St Wilfred's Hospice and visit patients who have a terminal illness, in their homes, hospital or care home.
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£45.00 - £60.00
Concessions offered for
Additional information
£60 per 50 minute session
I have a limited number of concessionary places for people on a low income - please ask if you think this may apply to you.
Further information
I see clients in my beautiful summerhouse counselling room in my garden, next to a willow tree. There is always plenty of space to park outside the house.
I also see clients in a therapy room at Little Chelsea Health Hub, South Street.
Walk & Talk sessions or local home visits can be arranged.
