Lisa Cross, Counsellor

I believe one of the key values of counselling lies in giving time to those aspects of our lives which are causing us distress and can prevent growth. Whether we are experiencing problems ourselves or within relationships, the success of our journey depends on our development and for us all there are likely to be difficulties along the way.

Deep-rooted issues impact on how we might react to situations and counselling helps to increase our understanding of how patterns of behaviour have developed and, as a result, can make it easier to make new choices.

My aim as a counsellor is to form a relationship with my clients that reflects the individual nature of their personality and allows them to work at their own pace. Having a regular time and space within which difficulties can be safely and openly explored without fear of judgement, criticism or embarrassment can be the key to enabling change and development.

Counselling is appropriate for anyone who wants to explore their inner thoughts and emotions and better understand the resulting behaviours. Whilst the work can be challenging, for most people counselling is a positive experience which enables them to gain greater self-awareness and encourages them to live a life that is more satisfying.

I have considerable experience in counselling individuals and couples and I cover a range of presenting issues, including depression, anxiety, anger management and relationship issues. I work on both a short term and long term basis depending on individual needs.

I am a qualified and accredited integrative counsellor and have a First Class BA Hons Degree in Integrative Counselling.

My integrative training means I have the ability to draw upon the different theories of counselling and psychotherapeutic practice including the use of CBT techniques.

My focus is always on developing a therapeutic relationship that reflects the individual nature of each and every client; I believe it is this that is the key to the ‘success’ of the counselling work.

My counselling experience includes working across a number of GP surgeries and higher education facilities.

I receive ongoing, regular supervision and am committed to my own professional development; attending courses, reading relevant literature and articles and attending other training forums.

I am a registered member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy); their website can provide some useful reading (www.bacp.co.uk). I also hold full insurance.

I have a business research background so have spent much of my life looking at human behaviour and beliefs.