I’m Lorraine, I am an integrative therapist, which means that I’m trained to draw on several different theories and approaches to counselling. This enables me to provide tailored support to clients with an understanding that people are complex and unique, and what works for one will not be the best thing for all. At the heart of my practice is a person-centred approach which means that I place high value on building trusting and strong relationships with clients by providing a warm and non-judgemental atmosphere in which clients feel able to say what they need to and be who they need to be. I am always guided by client’s wishes and needs as to how therapy proceeds. The key to the relationship for me is collaboration, equality is key in any relationship and both the therapist and client will bring different information and viewpoints to the sessions which in collaboration will support the client to reach their goals in life.
I worked for many years as a social worker before becoming a counsellor, which has given me a wealth of experience working with people from all walks of life and supporting them through their most difficult times. I have lived experience of managing chronic illness, as well as training and understanding of different approaches to managing conditions such as fibromyalgia and ME.
I have come to see that much of the distress and anxiety we face in life can come from using coping mechanisms and strategies served us well in the past but that are no longer helping us. I can support you to explore your story and your patterns as well as your strengths.
I believe that the desired outcome of both counselling and life itself is to be the best possible version of ourselves in our current environment and circumstances. I would be excited to support you on this journey to explore how this can be true for you.
Personal profile
I initially completed a law degree but after graduating in 2004, it became apparent that my interest lay in more hands on, people centred work and I went on to enjoy several care and support work positions before completing postgraduate training to become a Social Worker in 2010. I worked for over 10 years as a social worker with a number of different client groups including foster carers, older people, vulnerable adults and clients with physical and sensory disabilities. During this time, I completed a significant amount of professional training focussing on mental health and the best way to support people at difficult times.
In order to change career, I then completed MSc in Counselling which lead me to working with clients through NHS primary care, Age UK, and in work support for NHS staff. I now work as an in-house counsellor with a carers charity, as well as working in private practice.
I am passionate about making counselling accessible for everybody and providing clients knowledge, choice and control around their counselling experience in order to make it as successful as possible. My MSc dissertation centred around these issues and I am currently undertaking further research in this area to produce an article for publication.
I offer counselling on the phone, via webchat or in person at our Llandudno Junction office and am happy to discuss your requirements as to times and days that work for us both, including evening and after work appointments. I offer a free initial call before you book a session in order to get to know each other and see if we are the right fit. Sessions last for 60 minutes and cost £45.
Training
Some of the training I have undertaken include:
- MSc Counselling (Distinction) Bangor University
- PgDip Social Work Chester University
- ASIST suicide prevention
- Mental health first aid
- Drug and alcohol addictions
- Behavioural addictions
- Grief and loss
- Working with carers
- Managing chronic illness
- Attachment theory and adult attachment styles
- Dialectical Behavioural therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Trauma informed counselling (Psychological Trauma service) (North Wales Women’s Centre)