Louise Lancaster
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
I offer one to one individual therapeutic counselling for adults of all ages and young people (aged 13+).
I believe that counselling can benefit anyone. It is an opportunity to reflect on who you are and how things are going, clarify goals and understand your past and potential future choices. It is not for a minority of troubled people with ‘mental health problems’ - the implication being that the majority, all those so-called ‘normal people’, have it all together - but for everyone, through different stages of their lives, variously coping with the ups and downs of being human and finding a way to live in this complex world.
What is happening to you?
You are struggling with difficult feelings which you may or may not understand or be able to explain. You may not know what is wrong but some instinct is telling you to seek help. You may be feeling overwhelmed or out of control or unable to function as you always have before or you believe you 'should'. It may be that events which happened many years ago are resurfacing and demanding your attention which seems out of place with where you are in the present.
What can you expect from me?
I provide a safe, confidential space where you can take a step back from your life and gain some perspective on what has been going on for you. Here you will find acceptance and support as you explore your thoughts and feelings, whatever they relate to. There is no pressure, there is no judgement. I am not a friend or an expert with all 'the answers' but someone external to your experience who can offer a perspective uncomplicated by personal, social or professional ties.
Your part in the counselling process
You make a commitment to attend sessions on a regular basis. You have to want to come. It can be no-one else’s decision but yours, whatever age you happen to be (consent is a particularly crucial for young people - parents often demand attendance but young clients have to be willing participants or will gain little from the experience). Taking that first step can be daunting and many people believe it to be an admission of personal weakness, but as the counselling process progresses, many clients realise that the choice to enter therapy is actually about taking charge of life and building mental strength and resilience.
As we attempt together to make sense of your experience, I may challenge you. It will not be easy and I know this from personal experience of being a client. Looking inside yourself and facing up to your choices, however unconscious, takes courage and a willingness to accept the parts of yourself that you may not like. It is not for everyone. And I might not be the right counsellor for you. But I truly believe that if you persist in trying to discover who you are -your values, your meanings - exploring the whys and the hows and the best way of balancing the competing demands of life, for as long as it takes, then the potential rewards for your mental health and wellbeing are limitless.
Where counselling takes place
The counselling room is a lovely log cabin in my garden close to the centre of Saffron Walden. There is no designated parking unfortunately, but street parking is generally available nearby.
The log cabin (painted blue) is at the side of the house reached through the side gate. The door to the cabin looks onto the garden. I would ask that clients please don't knock on the door as I may be working with someone. I would also ask that if at all possible clients do not arrive earlier than the appointment time. Various Covid measures are currently in place to protect both of us as far as possible.
Please note that online counselling is an ongoing option for those who prefer/find it more convenient, don't have a confidential space at home or live too far away to come in person. I am happy for clients to do a combination of in person and online depending on what works best for them week by week. To help you decide whether to give counselling a go I would be very happy to have a chat on the phone or answer any questions you may have via email or Facebook messaging.
Training, qualifications & experience
I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and am committed to the principles of the Ethical Framework for Good Practice. It is a requirement of BACP membership that I undertake continuing professional development (CPD) to ensure that my practice is reflective and my skills are kept up to date.
Relevant training and CPD:
- Currently studying for an Advanced Certificate in Counselling Studies Workshops attended most recently in Suicide, Family counselling, Safe Trauma therapy and creative counselling methods
- Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling. Study units: Humanistic approaches, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Helping Children and Young People
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
These categories are for general guidance only. You may feel that you don't fit with any of them but that doesn't mean you would not benefit from counselling. Every individual is different and their circumstances as they see them, unique.
Fees
£55.00 per session
Additional information
£55 per 50 minute session
When I work
Daytime and evening appointments available
Further information
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Certificate no. 001461351630