Counselling in Bracknell
Welcome to
By Your Side Therapy
A confidential space to explore the thoughts, feelings and challenges in your life
Life can offer wonderful experiences, but it can also present challenges that can be difficult to manage. Similarly, the people in our lives can bring us joy but relationships can be stressful and can leave us feeling overwhelmed. Navigating life's journey isn't always straightforward, and discovering our own path can be difficult. Sometimes we may need help in order to make sense of it all, this is where I can support you.
My name is Lisa (She/her), I am a qualified Integrative counsellor, registered with the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy). I abide by their ethical framework, providing counselling services for adults in-person, online as well as providing 'walk and talk' therapy which takes place outside.
I have experience across a wide range of issues including working with anxiety, loss, self-esteem and relationships, and having had a career in Human Resources management, I work with all aspects of employment and the workplace. I currently also work with a local charity counselling younger adults and children.
HOW CAN COUNSELLING HELP?
I fully recognise that talking about what you are thinking and feeling can be daunting, and often turning to counselling can be seen as weak, embarrassing or just plain terrifying.
As someone passionate about the work I do, I am committed to destigmatising counselling, encouraging clients to recognise counselling as the ultimate in self-care. As well as being there for you at a point of crisis in your life, counselling can also be a means of prevention, enabling you to recognise when you are struggling. By exploring experiences and associated feelings in a safe and non-judgmental therapeutic environment, you can prevent things from escalating and becoming more serious. As you read this you may be feeling lonely, struggling with a relationship, or simply feeling dissatisfied with life; counselling can provide a space to explore your feelings, help you recognise what you need, make meaningful choices and move forward at a time when you may be feeling ‘stuck’.
I recognise that the counselling 'room' environment can feel claustrophobic and uncomfortable for some, so I offer, where appropriate, 'walk and talk' therapy sessions which take place in outdoor settings including beautiful forest surroundings. This way of providing therapy combines the conventional outcomes of indoor therapy with the recognised benefits of connecting with the natural world around us.
People come to me for help with a wide range of issues. Here are a few of the more common difficulties that can be supported through counselling:
Feelings of stress or anxiety
Understanding and managing panic attacks
Grief, loss or bereavement
Relationship challenges
Family issues
Issues relating to sexuality or gender identity
Loneliness and feelings of isolation
Problems with self-esteem
Lack of confidence
Difficulties at work or in retirement
Working with abuse or trauma
Self harm and associated feelings
Menopause
Depression and feelings of hopelessness
Managing anger and feelings of guilt
Chronic illness and long term health conditions
MY ROLE AS A COUNSELLOR
I will work alongside you in exploring your particular situation, we will explore what you are thinking, your emotions and how the experience feels for you. By gaining insight and understanding of your feelings, and with your increased levels of self awareness, you can start to effect change and live the life you want. By embracing an integrative counselling approach, I see you as a complete person, focusing not just on your psychological needs, but your physical and emotional needs too.
MY APPROACH
As an integrative counsellor I believe there isn't just one therapeutic approach that can help you in every situation, instead, I work with a variety of different approaches, ensuring therapy is unique to you. Throughout our work together, we will progress at a pace that is comfortable for you and you will never be pressured into exploring anything you feel uncomfortable with.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
My aim is to offer a first appointment - known as an initial assessment - within 1-2 weeks. Then we would arrange further sessions to take place either in person or online at the same time every week which are convenient for you and where I have availability.
Everything that is said within the counselling room is private - this is one of the main ways counselling and therapy differ from talking to a friend or relative. Once you are comfortable with the format of weekly sessions and the safe space they provide, you will find the freedom to speak in confidence is of great value. There are however rare exceptions, if I believe you are at risk of serious harm either to yourself or others, I reserve the right to break confidentiality, I will always attempt to discuss this with you first, but this may not always be possible. For legal and ethical reasons I am not bound by confidentiality if in good faith I feel that I can assist in the prevention of detection of a serious crime, this includes safeguarding issues regarding children or vulnerable adults, crimes regarding substantial financial gains and losses, and acts of terrorism.
Usually I am asked this question by people who are nervous about entering into counselling, or when they are looking for support in coming to see a therapist. This anxiety is understandable, but a key aspect of therapy is that you should feel free to talk about any issues important to you. Having someone else with you who is connected to those issues makes opening up more difficult, so for this reason I do not see clients accompanied by friends or family.
CONTACT ME
Please contact me below if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial complimentary 20 minute phone call. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist for your needs.
You can also call me on +44 7386 893694 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me, I am happy to discuss any queries or questions you may have.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours hours (Monday to Friday, enquires submitted on a Friday will usually be responded to on the following Monday), and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.
Location & fees
Our sessions will be for 50 minutes and are normally scheduled on a weekly basis from my office in Bracknell, either in-person or online.
The cost for each session is £52 and payment will be due 24 hours in advance via bank transfer. Additionally, there is an option to prepay for a series of sessions at a discounted rate (please reach out to me for further information).
If you wish to cancel an appointment I will require 48 hours’ notice, otherwise payment for the missed session will be due.
I provide an initial, complimentary 20-minute phone session for us to explore what brings you to counselling and what would you like to achieve from our work together. This is also an opportunity to determine if I am the most suitable counsellor for your needs.