Low-cost Counselling

Counselling is a type of talking therapy that allows a person to talk about their problems and feelings in a confidential and dependable environment.  A counsellor is trained to listen with empathy (by putting themselves in your shoes).  They can help you deal with any negative thoughts and feelings that you have.

Sometimes, the term ‘counselling’ is used to refer to talking therapies in general, but counselling is also a specific type of therapy in its own right. 

Other psychological therapies include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and relationship therapy (which could be between members of a family, a couple or work colleagues).

Whether it is Counselling or another type of talking therapy which is provided will be down to the individual therapist and the client’s needs.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave. It is most commonly used to treat anxiety and depression, but can be useful for other mental and physical health problems.

CBT cannot remove your problems, but it can help you deal with them in a more positive way. It is based on the concept that your thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and actions are interconnected, and that negative thoughts and feelings can trap you in a vicious cycle. CBT aims to help you crack this cycle by breaking down overwhelming problems into smaller parts and showing you how to change these negative patterns to improve the way you feel.

Unlike some other talking treatments, CBT deals with your current problems, rather than focusing on issues from your past. It looks for practical ways to improve your state of mind on a daily basis.

Low-Cost Counselling at the Stress Project is between £12 – £45 per hour session and is available Monday-Thursday.
Evening and weekend appointments are also available. Please contact us for more information. 

Counsellors

Litsa

My approach above all is warm and caring.  I believe that the majority of the work is done through the therapeutic relationship, and thus try and work in a sensitive and caring manner to help build trust.  Part of building a good relationship may also mean the appropriate use of challenges.  These challenges can sometimes bring to the surface some difficult and painful material. Such material may surface under other conditions as well, but it is important that the client feels well contained. If the client feels safe and is held well by the therapist processing such material can have a therapeutic effect.

I have trained in integrative counselling, which comprises of the psychodynamic, person-centered and psychosynthesis orientations.  My approach is relational and follows the Clarkson 5-strand model: the working alliance, transference/countertransference, person-to-person, reparative and the transpersonal dimension.

Helen

Litsa

I have been working in the ‘helping professions’ since 2002 supporting people individually and in groups. Since training as a therapist I have worked in primary care (NHS) and alcohol and drug treatment. I see psychotherapy as a process of paying careful attention to the individual experience, offering a space of listening and reflection.

My approach is to start therapy anew with each client, allowing each person to connect with their feelings and explore why they might feel as they do. I draw from a range of theory (psychoanalytic, existential and phenomenological) in order to deepen my understanding of the individual difficulties faced.

Some of the distress and difficulties experienced by people I have worked with include, Stress and burnout, Drug & alcohol addiction, Depression, Loss of direction and confidence, Loss of faith, Creative blocks, and Relationship problems.

Helen

Julia

I am a trainee psychotherapist in the final stages of completing my diploma in Transpersonal Psychotherapy at the Centre for Counselling & Psychotherapy Education (CCPE).
 
I have been working in the field of mental health for the past 10 years, since studying BSc Psychology at Brunel University.
 
I work integratively, drawing on a variety of approaches: humanistic, transpersonal, existential and psychodynamic. I believe that the relationship created between the client and the therapist can bring about healing and positive change. I offer a warm and safe space for exploration and reflection.
 
I have been seeing clients on the low-cost therapy programme on Monday afternoons at The Stress Project since October 2014.

Julia

Maureen

I am a qualified humanistic integrative counsellor with over 15 years of counselling experience and adhere to BACP code of ethics.
 
I strongly believe that counselling helps when we feel that the demands of life seem to outweigh our ability to cope. Talking therapy will provide you with help to explore issues that may be affecting you.  I provide you with a space to enable you to feel empowered and supported. We will work together to explore your feelings, whilst ensuring you are given every opportunity to just ‘be’. You can bring to the session any issues and/or feelings that you want to share. You will be listened to, and supported, throughout your counselling process and during your personal growth.

I can help with issues such as anxiety/depression trauma, relationship issues, family difficulties, abuse, self esteem and confidence building. What invariably every person who attends counselling is looking for, is to feel better! The benefits of therapy are far reaching and include:

• Relief from symptoms such as depression or anxiety
• Finding ways to move on from a challenging and difficult situation
• Accepting reality such as bereavement or long-term illness
• Coping techniques to manage pain and a dramatic lifestyle change
• Help to articulate feelings and influencing factors on your behaviour
• Tools to help towards a brighter future and emotional healing

I've a Diploma in humanistic counselling (CPPD), an Advanced diploma in humanistic counselling (CPPD) and
vast experience of supporting adults, young people and children with a range of different issues. 

Maureen

Sue

I have been working as a qualified counsellor at the Stress Project since 2008. I am a member of the BACP and am on their register of counsellors. I work as an integrative counsellor and use a person centred approach also using person centred art therapy when appropriate. I aim to work in an inclusive way with people of different backgrounds and cultures. 

I work in a respectful, open and flexible way, often working with a diverse client group addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, life stage changes and mental health issues. I also provide a low cost scheme for student counsellors and can offer short-term solution-focused work but am equally happy to look at issues on a deeper level working on a long-term basis.

Sue

Dilek

I am a person-centred trainee counsellor, studying Level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling at Barnet and Southgate College. I believe in an equal therapeutic relationship in counselling and I offer a non-judgemental, non-directive safe space to my clients.

My aim is to encourage my clients to get more self awareness about themselves and to explore what is going on for them in their life. I abide by the BACP code of ethics in my practice and have committed to regular and ongoing personal and professional development and have regular supervision.

I work at the Stress Project on Wednesdays.

Leonidas 

I am a qualified Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist and a Registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I am also a Verified Therapist with Plus Guidance.

I hold a Master in Arts (MA) in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy and a Foundation Certificate in Counselling and Psychotherapy from Regent’s University London (RUL). Moreover, I entered the field of the mind by acquiring an MSc in Psychology from the University of Hertfordshire and my primary background was in nursing to where I hold a Diploma in Nursing.

I work in an eclectic way, drawing from some of the major psychotherapeutic approaches like Psychodynamic, Existential and Humanistic.

Therapy is challenging but I aim to work with you offering a safe and confidential environment.
After years of clinical practice in the field, and having worked with clients from various backgrounds and ethnicity, I welcome diversity and rest assured that I will listen closely to your story and unique personal experience. I will not make diversity an issue. However, I welcome your story around it if you feel it has become an issue in your life.

Your safety and protection are on the top of my list. 

Some of the areas I work with include; Depression, Stress, Bullying, Bereavement, Adoption, Family issues, Low self-esteem, Self confidence, Relationships, Career issues, Loneliness and worry. 

Leo