Louise Ballard

I am a warm and compassionate person.  I shall offer you a safe and accepting space where we can explore what is going on for you and what it is that you want to gain through therapy.  We shall work together collaboratively with your focus, with the aim that you will gain understanding, insight and perspective that will help you to move forward.  As a humanistically trained counsellor, I believe that the therapeutic relationship we establish is crucial to the success of the therapeutic process. I shall work alongside you, to help you to find your own path; I won’t tell you what to do or give you advice; rather we will work together to find what is right for you.

I work in an integrative way.  This means that I draw on my core humanistic training together with the knowledge and experience gained from further professional development, to offer what is most relevant and helpful to you. I work short term and long term depending on your specific needs.

Before I moved into private work in 2017, I had over 10 years’ experience of working in the NHS based within GP surgeries and working with clients referred by their GPs. I routinely encountered and worked with a huge range of client issues from anxiety and depression to sexual abuse and identity issues. In addition to this I have worked at Scarborough Sixth Form College, Leeds Trinity University and also as a volunteer counsellor at York Women's Counselling, where I saw vulnerable women for longer term therapy.

I offer sessions from The Raylor Centre in York - a calm space, conveniently located in James Street and with free parking and cycle racks, also on a bus route - and from a private room in the Eversley Park Centre in Sherburn.

I have also taught on the Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling at York St John for a number of years.

Prior to training as a counsellor I worked in HR and Management Development.

I am qualified in Counselling for Depression - a NICE recommended treatment of depression

We can arrange a brief free initial telephone conversation to respond to any concerns and questions and/or arrange an initial appointment where we will have the opportunity to talk about what has brought you to counselling, and what you want to get from it.  I shall also explain what to expect from counselling and I will give you more information about how I work.  This initial session costs £25 - this is a reduced rate to give us the opportunity to meet and explore whether we are a 'good fit' for each other.  There is no obligation to continue working with me.  Subsequent sessions are £50.

Please state whether you are looking for face to face therapy in York or in Sherburn, or online therapy in your initial enquiry so that I can respond appropriately.

I offer some concessional spaces - please enquire.

Availability

My client days are Mondays in York and Tuesdays in Sherburn.

I am currently offering both face-to-face and online sessions (via Zoom).  I have found this to be an effective means of counselling throughout the pandemic and I have undertaken extensive training.

I am not able to offer evening appointments.