Aspirations Counselling Service

About Me

My name is Lesley Strabel, and I am the founder of Aspirations Counselling Service. I am a compassionate, empathic counsellor who strives to understand the experiences and events that form your world. I can help you explore your past and current difficulties. Then support you in the acquisition of new perspectives, and the development of the skills you need to overcome them and achieve your aspirations.

The way I work
I offer face to face counselling sessions, in a comfortable room in Cardiff. I also offer telephonic and video sessions.

I work from a humanistic/existential approach, integrating CBT where appropriate. I am also trained in the rewind technique for trauma recovery. The aim of which is to support and enable you to find the strength to overcome any difficulties you may face in your own unique way, after all, you are the expert on you. I see the therapeutic relationship as the foundation of our work together, providing a solid, secure base, from which to explore your difficulties. Existential counselling allows you to focus upon the here and now, and live your life in the present. I strongly believe in the need for, and provision of, a safe and confidential space to allow you to be who you truly are. Our therapeutic relationship will allow you the opportunity to talk openly about your issues without judgement or prejudice, to feel understood, and be supported throughout.
Working together as equals, the therapeutic relationship that we would create together can provide you with an opportunity to gain a new perspective, establish your own personal goals, and over time find your own solutions and develop new ways of coping that are functional and sustainable.
It also allows you the space and time to develop a deeper level of self-awareness. This can enable you to gain insight and understanding of who you are, how you relate to the world, and how this can influence the way you function in life. The humanistic approach to counselling is client led, this gives you control of your sessional content, goal setting, and developmental journey, this process enables you to regain control of your life outside of the counselling room.
Contact me to book an initial session, at which we will explore your reasons for seeking counselling, discuss how we will work together and explore any questions you may have. Then, if you are comfortable working with me, and feel I am the right counsellor for you, we can establish a working contract and arrange further sessions.
I offer both short term solution and goal focussed therapy as well as long term open ended counselling. The appropriateness of each for your situation can form part of the discussion at our initial session, any decision you make can be reviewed regularly throughout our work together.

I can also deliver counselling remotely via telephone and video link.

Training, Qualifications & Experience
Education and Training
I have achieved a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, a Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling, a Diploma in CBT, and a Foundation Degree in Counselling. I also hold a BSc in Psychology, and I am trained to deliver trauma recovery. My counselling training is of the highest standard, and my qualifications are accredited by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (www.bacp.co.uk) and the British Psychological Society (www.BPS.org.uk)

I also hold up to date certificates in First Aid and Mental Health First Aid. I have also completed the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST).

I attend regular continual professional development training courses to keep my knowledge and skills up to date. I also keep abreast of the latest research in counselling and psychotherapy. These two things combined inform my practice to ensure that you receive the best service I can provide.

Experience
I am a self-employed counsellor, having established my own private practice, Aspirations Counselling Service.

I have previously counselled for Churches Counselling Services Wales (CCSW), 2 Wish Upon a Star (www.2wishuponastar.org), providing bereavement support to parents following the loss of a child. I have also been a sessional counsellor in Cardiff Mind (www.cardiffmind.org). My varied experience has given me access to a broad spectrum of clients, with a range of mental health and life event issues.

Professional
I am an Accredited Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). As such I am committed to adhering to the (BACP) ethical framework. Holding BACP Accreditation means that my practice has been ‘deemed to meet our higher standard as a competent, ethical and independent practitioner’. (BACP)

Further information
Counselling has been shown to be effective in improving the lives of individuals currently struggling with the situations above, enabling them to achieve the life they desire. Taking the initial steps can feel overwhelming and change can be a daunting prospect. It takes courage and determination to enter into a journey of change and self-reflection. It can be an empowering and transforming experience, leaving you more in control of making positive choices in life. It is always a privilege to be allowed to share those journeys. I hope, together, we will be able to form a therapeutic relationship that allows you to meet your aspirations.