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 have previously worked with a local charity counselling younger adults and children.
HOW CAN COUNSELLING HELP?
I understand that opening up about your thoughts and feelings can feel daunting. For many, the idea of counselling can bring up feelings of fear, embarrassment, or even a sense of weakness.
I am deeply passionate about the work I do and committed to helping challenge the stigma surrounding counselling. I believe therapy is a powerful form of self-care. While counselling can provide vital support during times of crisis, it can also be a proactive way to recognise when you may be struggling and need support.
In a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental environment, we can explore your experiences and the feelings connected to them. This process can help prevent difficulties from becoming overwhelming, while supporting you to better understand yourself and your needs. Whether you are feeling lonely, facing challenges in relationships, or experiencing a general sense of dissatisfaction, counselling offers a space to reflect, gain clarity, and move forward when you may feel stuck.
I also appreciate that a traditional counselling room may not feel comfortable for everyone. Alongside face-to-face and online sessions, I offer “walk and talk” therapy, where appropriate. These sessions take place outdoors, often in natural, peaceful surroundings. This approach combines the benefits of traditional therapy with the restorative effects of being in nature.
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.
"Lisa is absolutely amazing. From the first session, I felt comfortable opening up and being myself. I had seen a number of therapists but Lisa was the first one that I felt had an understanding way of helping me make sense of things and finding better ways to cope. I’m so grateful for her support and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to anyone looking for a genuine, compassionate therapist."
"Your help, patience and listening ear have been invaluable. I never really understood counselling until we began our sessions, now I'm an advocate. Thanks again Lisa, you've been a game changer."
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 FIELDS REQUIRED
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 £58 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.
