COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY
BRISTOL, HUTTON (Weston-super-MarE), OR ONLINE
A space to pause, breathe and be heard.
Are you feeling misunderstood or worn down from trying to fit in, feeling too much or not enough, experiencing wildly fluctuating emotions or intrusive thoughts?
Maybe you feel stuck in worry, sadness or uncertainty, or perhaps a significant loss, life transition, or parenting struggle leaves you feeling isolated, exhausted, guilty or numb?
You might be feeling that life is okay, but want to find more purpose and direction in your work, studies or relationships, or there's a niggling feeling that something isn't quite right?
However you are feeling, or whatever might have happened or be happening, I offer a confidential and non-judgemental space for you to explore your relationship with yourself and others, help you make sense of patterns and perhaps remove obstacles that may be getting in your way. You don't have to do it all alone. If you are looking for a counsellor who you can feel comfortable with, I might be a good fit.
About me
I am a warm, down-to-earth, BACP-registered therapist who grew up near the seaside, and, from a very young age, have been trying to make meaning of life.
My identity as a late-diagnosed ADHD woman, challenging life experiences, and my own personal therapy all contributed to my motivation to train as a psychotherapeutic counsellor. I hold a Level 7 Master's Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy (University of the West of England/UWE).
Although I work with a range of clients, I often work with clients who are curious about or have ADHD and/or Autism, or who feel "othered" in some way. I welcome people of all genders, sexualities, diverse cultural backgrounds, and spiritualities, and am passionate about neurodivergent-affirming and anti-oppressive practice.
I believe the relationship plays a huge role in your experience of counselling, which means that I bring myself into the therapeutic relationship with you as another human being, sharing my responses, thoughts and feelings with you. This may help raise awareness of how you may be relating to and experiencing the world around you, how your past may be showing up in the present or lead to a deeper understanding of your relationships outside our sessions.
I work integratively, drawing upon a range of counselling approaches from my training, and sometimes weave in creative tools and psychoeducation. But my style and approach will be very much based on what you want and need from counselling, integrating counselling approaches that feel best for you. There is no one-size-fits-all.
What will counselling with me be like?
There is no right or wrong way to show up in therapy. You can swear, laugh, cry, sit in silence, or not know what you want or need; all parts of you are welcome, including the abandoned ones we may have been taught were "not ok" or "unacceptable" when we were younger, these parts often carry the deepest source of energy and potential for change.
I am mindful of how these parts, alongside your emotional history, may show up in your body as tension, repetitive behaviours, unexplained pain, feelings of unease, or a constant need to be "on the go." I don't seek to fix these protective parts, which may be coping strategies, but meet them with curiosity and kindness.
I am trauma informed and pay close attention to your nervous system, going at a pace which feels right for you, and with the intention to increase your capacity to feel more clarity and calm.
Clients who work with me often say they find this clarity and calm, and a sense of feeling more at home with themselves and their emotions.
Get in touch
I understand how hard it can feel to take the first step to reach out, you can contact me by text or WhatsApp on 07343 091426, or by email, to ask any questions. I also offer a 20 minute complimentary telephone call, or you can go ahead with an initial in-person appointment, where you can get a feel for me, as a counsellor, and whether I am a good fit for you.
All contact is treated with respect and confidentiality.
Verified & registered
I am a registered member of professional bodies and directories, and registered with the Information Commissioner's Office.
©Lisa Hayes Counselling and Psychotherapy
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