Louise Russell

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About me

I am a trauma-informed counsellor with over 20 years' experience working within the Emergency Services, alongside five years supporting survivors of domestic abuse.

My work has given me a deep understanding of how trauma, stress, anxiety, and difficult life experiences can affect people, often quietly and over long periods of time. I know that many people spend years "coping" whilst feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, stuck, or disconnected underneath.

I work with adults, young people, and emergency service personnel experiencing a range of difficulties including anxiety, low mood, trauma, stress, burnout, loss, relationship difficulties, and life transitions.

I offer a calm, compassionate, and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly at your own pace. You do not need to have everything figured out before coming to counselling, and there is no pressure to commit to a set number of sessions. You are welcome to begin with one session and see how it feels.

I understand that reaching out for support can feel daunting, particularly for those who are used to being the person others rely on. My aim is to help clients feel safe, heard, and supported whilst we work together towards greater understanding, healing, and emotional wellbeing.

Whether you are facing a specific challenge or simply feeling that life has become harder than it needs to be, you are welcome to get in touch for a free 20-minute consultation.

Training, qualifications & experience

I hold an Advanced Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling and work in a trauma-informed, integrative way, drawing from a range of therapeutic approaches to meet each client’s individual needs.

I work with adults experiencing a variety of difficulties, including anxiety, stress, burnout, low mood, trauma, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and the lasting impact of challenging experiences. My aim is to help clients make sense of what they are going through, better understand themselves, and develop the confidence and resilience to move forward in a way that feels manageable and meaningful. 

Many people come to counselling believing they are somehow broken. My aim is to help clients understand themselves more fully and recognise their strengths, resilience, and capacity for change.

I believe therapy should feel collaborative, supportive, and tailored to the person in front of me. Whether you are facing a specific challenge or simply feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands, I offer a calm, compassionate, and non-judgemental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace.

Alongside my work with adults, I am also experienced in working with young people aged 10 and over. I hold additional Level 2 qualifications in Autism, ADHD, Self-Harm, and Suicide Awareness, and I understand many of the pressures young people face today, including anxiety, overwhelm, emotional regulation difficulties, low self-esteem, identity struggles, friendship difficulties, academic pressures, and the impact of social media.

When working with young people, I understand that parents and carers can often feel worried, guilty, overwhelmed, or unsure how best to help. I work collaboratively with parents and carers where appropriate, helping them better understand emotional wellbeing, communication, and the challenges their child may be facing.

Whilst maintaining the young person’s confidentiality and creating a safe therapeutic space for them, I believe supportive relationships around a child are incredibly important and can play a valuable role in their wellbeing and progress.

Member organisations

Registered / Accredited

Registered / Accredited

Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.

NCPS
National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)

The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

Accredited register membership

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
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.

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society

Areas of counselling I deal with

Therapies offered

Fees

£55.00 per session

Additional information

I offer 50 minute face-to-face, online, and walk-and-talk sessions.

I offer a free 20-minute initial consultation over the phone, giving you the opportunity to ask questions and see whether counselling feels right for you.

Session fees are:

  • Online sessions - £55
  • Walk-and-talk sessions - £55
  • Face-to-face clinic sessions - £60

A £5 reduced rate is available for emergency service personnel for online and walk-and-talk sessions.

There is absolutely no obligation to commit to a set number of sessions, you are welcome to begin with one session and decide what feels right for you. 

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Early morning
Morning
Early afternoon
Late afternoon
Evening

Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX13

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone
Home visits