Shirley Lixenberg

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her/she
Integrative Psychotherapist & Coach: MSc, NCPS, Dip.

About me

You may be considering therapy because something in your life feels overwhelming, painful or difficult to change. Perhaps you are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationships, grief, sleep or traumatic experiences from the past. You may feel stuck, caught in familiar, OCD patterns, or simply have a sense that you are no longer feeling like yourself.

I offer a warm, compassionate and non-judgemental space where you can feel safe enough to speak openly and begin to make sense of what you are experiencing. My aim is to build a relationship grounded in honesty, trust and understanding.

I am an experienced counsellor, psychotherapist, psychologist and coach, supporting adults of all ages privately and in the NHS. You do not need to have a diagnosis or know exactly what is wrong before coming to therapy. We can begin with whatever is happening for you right now.

How I work

I work integratively with a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties. At the heart of my work is the relationship we build together. From there, we can explore how past experiences and patterns that keep repeating may still be influencing how you feel about yourself and relate to others today.

Therapy can involve both understanding and practical change. At times we may explore something more deeply; at others, it can be useful to focus on what is happening in the here and now. My approach is integrative founded on Psychodynamic Therapy drawing on CBT, Gestalt Therapy, Parts work, Creative Approaches and  Compassion Focused Therapy where appropriate. Together we can collaborate on practical strategies to manage difficult thoughts and feelings and recognise cycles that keep you stuck, experimenting with different ways of responding.

The pace and focus of our work will depend on you and what feels most helpful. Some people value having space to think and understand themselves more deeply, while at other times a more active or structured approach can be useful.

I listen carefully, offer reflections and explore with you the things that may be difficult to make sense of on your own. The aim is to create a space where you feel deeply heard and understood, and where you can develop a stronger, more compassionate relationship with yourself.

Clinical experience

My clinical experience includes NHS settings (High Intensity CBT for the Whittington and recently Cognitve Analytic Therapy (CAT) for South London & Maudsley), low-cost counselling and private practice. I also spent two years working in mental health support with Mind also helping to run a group for mothers supporting children through severe mental health difficulties. 

I am in the final stages of training towards a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and Psychotherapy. I am an accredited psychotherapist with the NCPS and a Graduate Member of the BPS. I hold full professional insurance, work within these bodies' ethical codes, and undertake regular clinical supervision and ongoing professional development.

Coaching

I am a qualified transformational coach, holding a diploma since 2016. I offer coaching separately for those wanting to focus on personal development, future-focused goals, decision-making or meaningful change.

Walking therapy

I also offer walking therapy in woodland settings. For some people, walking side by side can make talking feel more natural, while movement, fresh air and being in nature can bring a grounding and restorative quality to the therapeutic experience. The therapeutic work remains the same, but the setting can offer a different way of being together.

Background and research

Before becoming a therapist, I worked in film and television, including screenwriting, script development for the BFI and set design on feature films. This experience now informs my doctoral research into how therapists use film and television in clinical practice.

Practicalities

I offer a 15-minute, free initial phone conversation so we can talk about what has brought you to therapy, what you are looking for, and whether working together feels like a good fit. Ongoing sessions are 50 minutes and weekly.

Walking therapy may also be available by arrangement.

Training, qualifications & experience

  • MNCPS (Acc.) - Accredited Registrant, The National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
  • Doctorate in Counselling Psychology and Integrative Psychotherapy - Metanoia Institute / Middlesex University (Final year)
  • Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society (MBPsS)
  • MSc Psychology (BPS Accredited-Distinction) - University of Hertfordshire
  • Couples Counselling Certification - Tavistock
  • Counselling Skills Certification- Highgate Counselling Centre
  • Transformational Coaching Diploma- Animas
  • Script Developing Diploma -National Film School
  • BA (Joint Hons) English & American Literature- Manchester University

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

Fees

£80.00 per session

Concessions offered for

  • Low income

Additional information

I am unable to offer any further concessions currently.

When I work

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

Further information

Currently offering Uk wide online/ phone therapy.

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Older Adults (65+)

Key details

DBS check

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

Online platforms

Zoom
FaceTime
Microsoft Teams
Whatsapp
Shirley Lixenberg
Shirley Lixenberg