Lurdes Magalhaes

Hello,

Welcome to my page!

I hope you find my profile information helpful if you are looking to start the therapy journey.  Whatever you decide to start this wonderful journey with me or not, it has been lovely to having you here.

My name is Lurdes and I'm a Integrative Counsellor based in Monmouth, South Wales, when you sit with me in the therapeutic space, my attention is fully and exclusively for you. I create the space for you to talk and explore your feelings; what may be going on underneath the feelings and how your life experiences have shaped you.

Since the start of my career, I have had a passion for working towards helping clients achieve their goals and stepping forward in their lives. I have experience of working with anxiety, depression, relationship issues and all forms of trauma, amongst many others, as well as working in different therapeutic ways, including Psychotherapy and Person Centred.

My journey in counselling began 20 years ago in my homeland Portugal. Since relocating to England, I've devoted myself to enhancing my skills and obtaining English qualifications in counselling Person Centred and Psychotherapy. 

For the past 6 years, I've been an integral part of the NHS. Initially, I served with Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, fulfilling roles as both a Peer Supporter and a Procurement Specialist. As a Peer Supporter, I've provided invaluable emotional support to NHS staff navigating a spectrum of challenges, from everyday stresses to more complex issues such as depression, OCD, self-harm, suicide, grieving, and trauma. This support has been consistent not only throughout the COVID-19 pandemic but over the years.

Currently, I find myself at NHS Wales as a Senior Procurement Business Manager, where my dedication lies in making a positive impact within the local community.

Outside of my NHS responsibilities, I operate a private practice offering counselling services to adults, delivering workplace counselling for organisations, and hosting summer retreats. 

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. 

​​Life can be overwhelming and sometimes even exhausting, but I’m here to guide you through any obstacles you may face. My goal is to help you understand yourself more deeply and cope better with change.

I offer supportive, compassionate, non-judgmental, confidential, and creative Counselling therapy in a warm, comfortable, private setting in Monmouth and Gloucester.  I mainly work from a Psychotherapy perspective which means therapy is focused on unconscious processes as they are manifested in the present behaviour. The goals of Psychotherapy therapy are client self-awareness and understanding of the influence of the past on present behaviour. 

Whether you're facing anxiety, relationship issues, or life transitions, my empathic approach ensures that you are 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.

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.

Either In person ( Monmouth & Gloucester) 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 Integrativly 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:

• anxiety
• 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

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, behavioral 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.

​Recognizing the significance of early experiences, my counselling services specialize 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, in the same place at the same time.

• In person (Monmouth or Gloucester) and 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.