Lurdes Magalhaes

Hello,

Welcome to my page!

Whether you choose to begin this wonderful journey with me or not, it has been lovely having you here.

I'm an Psychodynamic and Person Centred Counsellor based in Monmouth, South Wales.  As a counsellor specialising in trauma, I work with compassion and creativity to help you feel safe, supported, and understood.

Together, we gently explore not just your thoughts and feelings, but also the deeper, subconscious patterns that can shape how you experience life today. Using a creative and intuitive approach, I invite curiosity, imagination, and self-discovery into the healing process. This allows space for old wounds to be acknowledged and released, while new ways of being can emerge. My aim is to walk alongside you as you reconnect with your inner strength, resilience, and capacity for change.

The sessions in my private practice are tailored to your needs, working at your pace, always ensuring that you are comfortable during the whole process where together we can explore any issues you bring to the session. 

I recognise every client is an individual, this is the reason I offer an initial session where we meet and identify whether you want to start your counselling journey with me. I understand that the first step on this journey can be overwhelming please be reassured I will always work at a pace that you feel comfortable with, and we are working towards your desired outcome.

I am fully qualified, insured counsellor and a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) and I abide by their code of ethics. I have trained with the CPCAB-(Counselling and Psychotherapy Central Awarding Body) model that sets out the essential elements of practice that are common to all counselling approaches. 

I mainly work from a Psychodynamic perspective which means therapy is focused on unconscious processes as they are manifested in the present behaviour. The goals of Psychodynamic therapy are client self-awareness and understanding of the influence of the past on present behaviour. 

In my practice I embrace a dynamic and creative approach aimed at fostering a transformative journey for individuals seeking support. Recognising the different and complex nature of human experiences, I use fresh methods to engage clients on a deeper level.

Central to my therapeutic philosophy is the belief that creativity serves as a catalyst for healing and self-discovery. Through the integration of various creative modalities such as art, narrative techniques, mindfulness exercises, and expressive therapies, I invite clients to explore and express their thoughts, emotions, and aspirations in non-traditional ways. This allows for a more holistic and personalised exploration of your inner world, fostering a deeper connection with yourself and the therapeutic process.

Psychodynamic therapy recognises the lasting impact of trauma. This is when stressful events that you experience or witness make you feel unsafe, helpless or vulnerable. Therapy will help you to learn about what has happened to you, not what is wrong with you. The focus is on compassion listening and understanding rather than making a diagnosis.

Whether you're facing anxiety, relationship issues, depression or life transitions, my empathic approach helps you to be heard, understood, and supported on your unique path to well-being. Your well-being is my priority, and I invite you to embark on this journey with me.

Starting counselling can be daunting, but living with unresolved problems can be even more distressing. Recognising something in your life that you want to change is the most important step towards healing.

In embracing a creative psychotherapeutic approach, my goal is to facilitate not only symptom relief but also sustainable personal growth and lasting positive change. Together, we embark on a journey that transcends the traditional boundaries of therapy, unlocking the transformative potential within each individual.

I offer; 

Introduction Session
 I offer a free no obligation 30-minute telephone call or video call if you want to have a chat before starting therapy. 

This session gives us the opportunity to explore  your needs and ensure compatibility between us.

​It's also a chance for you to evaluate whether you think we could work together, and to ask me any questions you may have.

I aim to support you in the counselling process, and this call is intended to ease concerns and facilitate our conversation.

Individual Session
The therapy sessions are usually scheduled for once a week, in the same place at the same time ( Biweekly sessions also available).

Either In person in Monmouth and Ledbury)  or, On-line .

The initial session will focus on your concerns and goals for counselling, it aims to create a safe space, discuss counselling approaches, and agree how we can work together to meet those goals going forward.

I have supported adults in a variety of mental health settings, from those experiences, I gained an appreciation for the importance of people feeling listened to, seen, encouraged, and supported.

Working integrative means that I use a range of modalities to help you explore issues you might be facing in your life, and adapt those moralities according to the client needs. ​

You don’t need to be in crisis or have a diagnosed mental illness to have therapy. It can help you with emotional or mental health problems, including but not limited to:

• anxiety
• Trauma ( all types of trauma) 
• feeling like you can’t cope
• problems dealing with stress or recovering from stressful situations
• lack of confidence or extreme shyness
• coping with the effects of abuse
• feelings of depression, sadness, grief or emptiness
• extreme mood swings
• difficulty making or sustaining relationships, or repeatedly becoming involved in unsatisfying or destructive relationships
• sexual problems
• difficulties coming to terms with losses such as bereavement, divorce or
• unemployment
• eating disorders
• self-harm
• obsessive behaviour
• panic attacks and phobias
• Loneliness 
• Depression
• OCD
• Relationship problems

Sessions last for 60 minutes

Trauma therapy

Childhood/ past experiences  trauma can have profound and lasting effects on a person mental, emotional, and physical well-being. 

Defined as adverse experiences that happen during childhood, trauma can take various forms, including abuse, neglect, witnessing domestic violence, or experiencing the loss of a loved one. 

These early life experiences can shape our worldview, impact relationships, and contribute to the development of mental health challenges.

​Children who endure trauma may exhibit symptoms such as anxiety, depression, behavioural issues, or difficulties forming healthy attachments. The effects of childhood trauma can extend into adulthood, influencing coping mechanisms, decision-making, and overall life satisfaction.​

Therapeutic interventions play a crucial role in addressing childhood trauma. Creating a safe and supportive therapeutic environment is essential to explore, understand, and ultimately heal from childhood trauma.

​Recognising the significance of early experiences, my counselling services specialise in providing empathetic and tailored support you navigating the complexities of childhood trauma. Through a collaborative and compassionate approach, I strive to empower you to rewrite your narratives, fostering resilience and promoting long-term well-being.

Sessions last for 60 minutes

You may feel that what you’re experiencing isn’t serious enough to get help or feel unsure about the kind of support counselling can offer, but anyone can benefit from becoming more aware of how they see the world and why.

I believe in the individual’s ability to grow and develop in the way that is best for them, so I'm always guided by your needs, feelings and pace.

It is a collaborative journey, empowering my clients to manage challenges, rewrite narratives, and embrace personal growth. 

Feel free to contact me to discuss whether counselling is right for you, finding the right counsellor is vital to the success of your therapeutic journey.

​Lurdes

Individual Session

The therapy sessions are usually scheduled for once a week, or biweekly. 

Bi-weekly sessions are also available. 

• In person (Monmouth) and ( Ledbury) 
• Online 

Clients I work with
Adults 18+ and older adults

How I deliver therapy
Long-term face-to-face work, Online counselling, Short-term face-to-face work

I offer a free no-obligation 30-minute telephone call or video call if you want to have a chat before starting therapy. This session allows us to explore your needs and ensure compatibility between us. It's also a chance for you to evaluate whether you think we could work together, and to ask me any questions you may have.