CROCUS COUNSELLING
'Your present circumstances don't determine where you go; they merely determine where you start.'
(Dr Lauren Fogel Mersy)
I help people with difficult circumstances to see things differently, to feel calmer and live a more fulfilled life.
Please take a look to see how I might help you.
What is counselling?
Talking things through with supportive family or friends can be helpful when life feels like a struggle - but it can feel uncomfortable to explore difficult thoughts and feelings with people you know, or who might be involved. Counselling is an opportunity to explore your experiences with someone who is trained to listen carefully and without judgement. Talking can help you learn to deal with your feelings more easily, and to see things differently or think about things in a different way.
Counselling is not about giving advice. I won’t give you answers or tell you what to do, but I will help you to find the answers you seek, as we work together. Solutions won't always be practical, but gaining more understanding about your experiences can help to stop them being overwhelming.
When we can talk about things in a safe space, our feelings become less all-consuming, less upsetting, and less scary. There are no right or wrong things to talk about, and we can explore what ever will be helpful.
Counselling can be helpful if
you’re struggling with life
you have difficult relationships with family, friends, or others
you're in a difficult situation that you can't see how to change
you’re suffering from stress or anxiety
you’re struggling with feelings of anger or sadness
you feel a lack of control in your life or you're feeling trapped, and you're looking for ways to cope
you're coming to terms with a long-term health issue
Please note that counselling is not an immediate solution for severe distress. If you need urgent professional assistance, please contact your GP, NHS 111 or the emergency services.
The Samaritans are available 24 hours a day - freephone 116 123.
About me
I have over 20 years' experience of being a calm voice and listening ear working with people in difficult situations, firstly with Citizens Advice and now as a fully qualified counsellor with an MA in Counselling. I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) https://www.bacp.co.uk and the Association of Christian Counsellors (ACC) https://www.acc-uk.org.
I welcome work with people of all faiths or no faith, and clients from the LGBTQ+ community. I run a fully inclusive practice and don't value any gender or sexual identity above another.
Counsellors work with their clients in lots of different ways. My training is integrative, so I draw on different types of therapy to tailor my approach specifically for you. There are three main therapies that I use with clients, although I may use other approaches that are appropriate:
A person-centred approach focuses on you as the expert on yourself, and aims to help you reach your full potential.
Psychodynamic theories explore the subconscious and the effects of past experiences and memories on the present.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) explores unhelpful thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and suggests practical strategies and new ways of thinking
I work mostly online via video-call and on the 'phone, and have some capacity for face to face appointments. I can offer a range of times to suit you, including some early evenings.
Please contact me if you would like to arrange a free, no-obligation conversation, either via by telephone or video-call. This is an opportunity for us to talk about what you would like to gain from counselling, and to ask any questions you may have. I will also explain a bit more about how I work, and about confidentiality.
If we both feel we can work together, we can then arrange our first appointments. I'm always open to your feedback and happy to hear what does and doesn't work for you in therapy. If for any reason you decide not to book further sessions, I will do my best to signpost you to someone appropriate, if that's what you wish.
Costs
Appointments are offered on a regular weekly basis, with one 50-minute session per week. These appointments will usually be at the same time each week, but we may vary the times if appropriate and possible. Occasionally, appointments may be offered on a fortnightly basis by agreement.
I offer both short and long-term therapy, and we can discuss the planned duration of our work together during our first appointment. Initially, you will be offered up to 12 sessions, but this is subject to review at regular intervals and further sessions may be agreed.
Each 50 minute session is £55.
Payment is requested immediately following our appointments, by bank transfer.
If you need to cancel an appointment, I ask that you give as much notice as possible, and at least 24 hours’ notice. You will be charged the full fee for any sessions that are missed or cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice.
Contact
For more information or to arrange an initial assessment, please call:
07903 323399
Please leave a message with your details and I'll call you back within 24 hours.
Alternatively, please send me an email:
lizspoor@crocuscounselling.co.uk
Or complete the contact form below:
lizspoor@crocuscounselling.co.uk
07903 323399
