Counselling for Adults and CYP in East Kent – My Journey to Becoming a Professional Counsellor and Psychotherapist
Hello, I’m Lorraine!
Welcome to my site—I’m really glad you’re here.
I’m a qualified adult and CYP counsellor. In this blog you can find out more about how we might work together, my history and my qualifications.
Choosing a Counsellor
Are you looking for counselling for yourself or a young person?
I know choosing a counsellor can sometimes feel overwhelming, with so many options—both counsellors and modalities—to choose from.
In this blog I’d to share a little about myself, my journey, and my approach to counselling.
You will hopefully get a better idea of options of therapy available, whether we’ll be a good fit, and what the therapy process might look like.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me via email, via text on 07973307092.
My Background and what led me to Counselling
Let’s start at the beginning of my journey.
What led me to qualify as a counsellor and psychotherapist?
My path into counselling began after years of working as a multi-award-winning complementary therapist.
I saw firsthand how frequently clients came to me for physical relief but often shared emotional struggles during their treatments. Realising that I wanted to support people more deeply – professionally and ethically – I decided to train as a counsellor.
While my journey started with a deep desire to support others, it’s also been a wonderful mix of personal discovery and reflection.
It’s often said that training to become a counsellor changes you—how you interact with others and approach relationships. I certainly grew and developed during my training, and I haven’t stopped since.
My Childhood
In case you’re curious, my own childhood was fairly typical in many ways. I’m the youngest of two siblings, and our parents, from the ‘silent generation,’ worked hard to provide us with better opportunities than they had growing up in post-war Britain.
My memories of my early years are warm and mostly positive. My parents did an amazing job with the resources and knowledge they had, and I’m deeply grateful for their love and dedication.
When I was born, attachment theory was in its infancy, and counselling for mental health challenges wasn’t as widely recognised as it is today. Thankfully, a lot has changed since then. We now have a much greater awareness of the importance of mental wellbeing and a deeper understanding of how childhood experiences can shape us as adults.
Many therapists may focus on – or sometimes even fixate on – your childhood. While attachment theory informs my work, I want you to know that in our sessions, you are in control of what you choose to bring to the conversation.
Are you the person you would like to be?
During my professional counselling training, I quickly learned how important it is to look within, to explore, question, and try to understand our core beliefs and early influences. Once we’ve discovered these, we can then decide if they still fit the person we are – or wish to be – today.
Foundational beliefs, often formed in childhood, can influence how we see the world and interact with others.
Through my own journey of self-reflection, I began to understand how much my parents’ values and my formative years shaped my perspectives. I recognised what was “learned” and what was uniquely “me.”
While my past influenced me, I saw that I had the power to choose my own path forward.
I appreciate my childhood experiences, but I also acknowledge that I am the master of my own destiny. If certain values no longer align with who I am, I have the ability to change them.
Professional Therapy
I didn’t travel this journey of self-exploration alone.
Just as you may be considering now, I engaged in professional therapy.
Therapy gave me the opportunity to dive deeper into who I am and who I’d like to be, examining my feelings of self-worth and taking those first tentative steps toward self-actualisation, or, in other words, living my best life!
Embarking on therapy is, for many, a HUGE step.
Therapy is not about giving advice; it’s about having someone truly listen and be with you as you find the answers within yourself.
A beautiful analogy I’ve found in counselling is that you, the client, are in the driver’s seat, and the counsellor is the instructor sitting beside you. My role is to support and guide you while you steer the car—helping you discover the answers that are already within you.
Before I Qualified as a Counsellor
As I mentioned above, before becoming a counsellor and psychotherapist, I spent three decades as a multi-award-winning therapist, offering massage, beauty, and complementary therapies to clients in East Kent.
My journey began at Pfizer in Sandwich and continued as it transitioned into Discovery Park.
In 2020 (that fateful year!), I began working exclusively from my home treatment room, which has truly become a safe space – an oasis of calm and tranquillity.
Why did I pursue extra training in counselling?
Much like we often confide in our hairdressers, clients would open up emotionally during treatments. This inspired me to pursue formal training to better support people – compassionately and empathically, without judgment – creating a safe haven where clients could talk through their challenges.
The Therapeutic Relationship
Most UK counselling training focuses on working with adults, and mine was no different.
I find it immensely rewarding to work with adults who may have been struggling for some time or have had difficulty finding the right counsellor.
I’ve developed strong therapeutic relationships with my adult clients, and as many counselling theories attest, the best results are achieved when the therapeutic relationship is solid.
I’ve been privileged to walk alongside my clients, witnessing their growth.
Working with Children and Young People (CYP)
During my training, I was fortunate to work with a variety of children and young people (CYP), which sparked a real passion within me. I subsequently gained a CYP specific counselling qualification.
CYP have a natural resilience, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to help them develop coping strategies that will support them throughout the rest of their life.
Some children prefer to talk, while others embrace more creative therapies—like sand trays, drawing, storytelling, and puppetry. Regardless of the approach, therapy is taking place, and progress is being made.
Working Creatively with Adults
While creative counselling can be particularly effective for children and young people, it’s also a useful tool for adults, especially for those who find it easier to express themselves creatively, or those who find it difficult to open up.
Walk and Talk Therapy (Ecotherapy)
If you or your CYP prefer being out in nature, taking the sessions outdoors can be beneficial—it avoids sitting in close proximity in an enclosed space.
You are in Control
You have the autonomy to choose how your counselling looks. I’m here to walk beside you, or sit in the passenger seat, as you navigate your future.
How we Might Work Together
My approach is rooted in empathy, warmth, and the belief that we all have the capacity to heal, no matter where or when we start. My privilege is accompanying you as you build the tools and resilience you need to thrive.
I am a fully qualified counsellor and psychotherapist, trained in multiple therapeutic approaches. My approaches include CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), person-centred therapy, and psychodynamic therapy, among others.
I’ve also completed additional training in CYP counselling and creative therapies like Sand-tray therapy, puppetry, and Russian dolls.
If you’re open to exploring, I can also incorporate somatic therapies and mindfulness into sessions.
As a pluralistic counsellor, I tailor my sessions to ensure you get the most from them.
One size doesn’t necessarily fit all.
While face to face therapy is a wonderful format, it’s not for everyone. I offer online counselling (via video, email, phone, or text) for those who prefer not to, or can’t attend in-person sessions. There is walk-and-talk therapy for those who prefer a relaxed, natural setting to work through their thoughts. Creativity is available in every session.
My background as a therapist in East Kent means I’ve been fortunate to work closely with local communities. I’ve supported both children and young people (CYP) and adults with a wide range of issues.
Tailoring each Session to YOU!
With a wealth of experience and a variety of approaches, I can truly tailor each session to meet your unique preferences and needs.
Every client’s journey is different. Whichever approach we use, I will bring core counselling values to every session: integrity, non-judgment, and respect for your autonomy.
I believe you are the expert in your life. I’m here to sit beside you, supporting your self-discovery as you navigate your path.
Additional Previous Experience
In addition to my private practice, I’ve also worked as a bereavement volunteer with Cruse. Here I supported children and adults both in person and online.
I’ve been fortunate to train with Place2Be, an organisation that champions children’s mental health within the educational system. Additionally I’ve supported young learners in a local college.
I regularly undertake CPD (continuous professional development). This helps me stay up-to-date and broaden my skills, ensuring I’m the best possible counsellor for my clients.
Next Steps
This is just a (fairly) brief introduction! I hope it gives you a sense of who I am and why I’m passionate about this work.
If you feel I might be the right fit for you, please get in touch for a free initial consultation. We can chat about what you’re looking for and explore how I might support you on your journey. I truly believe we all have the capacity to heal and grow, no matter where we start. Whether you’re struggling with something specific or would just like someone to talk to, I’m here to walk alongside you. Contact me here or schedule your complimentary 15-minute discovery call here.