Welcome to LYFE
Here at LYFE I take a holistic approach to wellness, addressing not only your immediate concerns but also focusing on long-term growth and well-being. I will work collaboratively with you to develop effective coping strategies and empower you to lead a fulfilling life. Choosing a counselling service is an important decision, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. Take the first step towards positive change and emotional well-being by scheduling a session with me today.
About me
Hi, I’m Abigail MNCPS Acc. the founder of LYFE Counselling.
I bring over two decades of invaluable experience in the health sector, with a rich background spanning 22 years.
I have cultivated a deep understanding of healthcare dynamics, patient interactions, and the nuances of wellness management. My transition into counselling represents a natural evolution, where I leverage my extensive knowledge and seasoned expertise to provide holistic support and guidance to individuals seeking mental health assistance.
I am a registered and qualified counsellor specialising in Person Centred Therapy, Transactional Analysis, Gestalt and CBT.
My Qualifications
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
Level 3 Accredited Certificate in Counselling
CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills
Specialist Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
My ICO Number
ZB463725
My NCPS Registration Number
NCS23-02578
Frequently Asked Questions
What issues can counselling help with?
Anxiety
Counselling can be very effective in helping individuals manage and reduce anxiety. Therapists use various techniques to help clients understand their anxiety, develop coping strategies, and change negative thought patterns.
Depression
Counselling is a key treatment for depression. Therapists work with clients to explore the underlying causes of their depression, identify negative thought patterns, and develop strategies to improve mood and overall mental health.
Relationship issues
Counselling can help couples and individuals address relationship issues by improving communication, resolving conflicts, and rebuilding trust. Therapists provide a neutral space to discuss concerns and develop healthier relationship dynamics.
Grief and Loss
Counselling can support individuals coping with grief and loss. Therapists help clients process their emotions, navigate the stages of grief, and find ways to move forward while honouring their loss.
Stress management
Counselling can be very effective in managing stress. Therapists teach clients stress-reduction techniques, help them identify stressors, and develop coping mechanisms to handle stressful situations more effectively.
Addiction recovery
Counselling is a critical component of addiction recovery. Therapists help individuals understand the root causes of their addiction, develop strategies to avoid relapse, and build a support network for long-term recovery.
Self-esteem issues
Counselling can significantly improve self-esteem. Therapists work with clients to identify and challenge negative self-beliefs, build self-compassion, and develop a more positive self-image.
Trauma recovery
Yes, counselling is essential for trauma recovery. Therapists use specialised techniques to help clients process and heal from traumatic experiences.
Anger Management
Counselling can help individuals manage anger by identifying triggers, understanding the underlying emotions, and developing healthier ways to express and control anger.
Career or Academic issues
Counselling can provide support for career or academic issues by helping individuals identify their goals, address obstacles, improve time management and organisational skills, and develop a balanced approach to work and life.
Improving communication skills
Counselling can enhance communication skills by teaching active listening, assertiveness, and effective expression of thoughts and feelings. This can improve personal and professional relationships.
Dealing with major life changes
Counselling can help individuals navigate major life changes such as divorce, relocation, job loss, or retirement. Therapists provide support and guidance to help clients adapt and find new paths forward.
Chronic illness or pain management
Counselling can support individuals dealing with chronic illness or pain by helping them cope with the emotional and psychological impact, develop pain management strategies, and improve their quality of life.
Personal growth and self-exploration
Counselling can facilitate personal growth and self-exploration by providing a safe space for individuals to reflect on their values, goals, and life direction. Therapists help clients understand themselves better and work towards their full potential.
What types of therapy do you offer?
I offer a range of therapeutic modalities tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Here's an overview of the types of therapy I provide:
Person-Centred Therapy: This approach, pioneered by Carl Rogers, emphasises the importance of the therapeutic relationship and creating a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I focus on fostering self-awareness and personal growth by providing empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness.
Transactional Analysis (TA): Developed by Eric Berne, TA focuses on understanding and improving communication and relationships. It explores how individuals interact with each other and themselves, often using concepts such as ego states (Parent, Adult, Child) and transactions to identify patterns and enact positive change.
Gestalt Therapy: Gestalt therapy, founded by Fritz Perls, emphasises awareness of the present moment and the integration of mind, body, and emotions. It encourages clients to explore their experiences holistically, often using techniques such as role-playing, empty chair work, and focusing on the here and now to promote self-awareness and personal responsibility.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT is a structured, goal-oriented therapy that focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours. It emphasises the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, and utilises techniques such as cognitive restructuring, behavioural experiments, and homework assignments to facilitate lasting change.
Each of these therapeutic modalities offers unique insights and techniques to support individuals in their journey towards healing and personal growth. I am trained in these approaches and work collaboratively with my clients to tailor therapy to their specific needs and goals.
What should I expect in my first session?
In your first counselling session, you can expect to discuss your reasons for seeking counselling, your personal history, and your goals for therapy. It gives us a chance to meet to welcome you into our working relationship.
How long do sessions last?
Your initial assessment will be up to 30 minutes and subsequent sessions will be 60 minutes.
How many sessions will I need?
Every client I work with is different but typically 12 sessions is a good place to start, and we can reassess at 6 sessions. Some clients will require longer term therapy depending on their issues and some like to continue with person centred therapy monthly as a check in for their daily life and mental health.
Where will the sessions be held?
The sessions will be held either online or in person depending on your preference.
For online sessions I ask that you ensure you are in a safe, comfortable, and private space. I will work from my office which is private so you can rest assured no one will overhear us keeping everything confidential.
How often will I need to attend sessions?
Weekly therapy sessions offer several benefits that contribute to the effectiveness of the therapeutic process:
Consistency: Regular weekly sessions provide a consistent schedule for clients to engage in therapy. Consistency helps maintain momentum and progress, as it allows you to stay focused on your therapeutic goals without long breaks between sessions.
Continuity of Care: Weekly sessions ensure continuity of care, allowing me to track progress, address ongoing issues, and build upon previous sessions. This consistency promotes a deeper understanding of your experiences and promotes a more comprehensive therapeutic relationship.
Skill Development: Therapy often involves learning and practicing new skills and coping strategies. Weekly sessions provide clients with the opportunity to receive guidance, feedback, and support as they implement these skills in their daily lives. Regular practice leads to greater mastery and integration of these skills over time.
Emotional Regulation: Consistent therapy sessions offer a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore and process their emotions. By meeting weekly, clients have a dedicated space to express themselves, regulate their emotions, and work through challenges in a structured and therapeutic manner.
Maintenance of Progress: Regular sessions help maintain the momentum of progress achieved in therapy. They allow me to address any setbacks or barriers that may arise and provide ongoing support to help clients navigate difficult situations and maintain positive changes outside of the therapy room.
Overall, weekly therapy sessions provide a stable framework for therapeutic work, facilitating sustained progress, emotional regulation, and skill development over time. However, the frequency of therapy sessions may vary depending on the individual needs and goals of the client, as well as the therapeutic approach being used.
What happens when I finish therapy?
Following the end of our sessions you may wish to continue to have a monthly check in with me. There are many benefits to this such as:
Continued Support: Transitioning out of therapy can be a significant adjustment for clients. A monthly check-in session provides an opportunity for clients to receive continued support and guidance as they navigate life after therapy. It ensures that clients have a supportive resource to turn to if they encounter challenges or setbacks.
Closure and Reflection: Ending therapy can evoke various emotions for clients, including feelings of closure, accomplishment, or even uncertainty. A monthly check-in session allows clients to reflect on their therapeutic journey, discuss any lingering issues or insights, and gain closure on their time in therapy.
Prevention of Relapse: Regular check-in sessions can help prevent relapse or the re-emergence of old patterns or symptoms. By maintaining contact with the therapist, clients can receive timely intervention and support if they begin to experience difficulties or setbacks in their mental health.
Goal Monitoring and Accountability: Monthly check-in sessions provide an opportunity to review progress towards goals established during therapy. Clients can reflect on their achievements, identify areas for further growth, and receive accountability and encouragement from the therapist to continue working towards their goals.
Reconnection and Re-evaluation: Life circumstances and priorities may change over time, leading clients to re-evaluate their needs and goals. A monthly check-in session offers an opportunity for clients to reconnect with their therapist, discuss any changes or new challenges they may be facing, and re-evaluate their goals and strategies for coping.
Overall, a monthly check-in session serves as a valuable extension of the therapeutic process, offering ongoing support, reflection, and goal monitoring to help clients maintain their progress and well-being beyond the formal conclusion of therapy.
Why choose private therapy?
Typically, many large organisations and charities are only funded to allocate 6 sessions to clients and though this can provide excellent scope for change, there are many clients who require more sessions.
CBT is an excellent model of therapy and has become more holistic in its approach over the years (third wave), however CBT is designed to help people with the here and now and this doesn’t always allow exploration of past and understanding why we perhaps think and behave in the way we do.
By having the freedom to use integrative counselling it means my client’s get the best therapy to suit their needs and that you are not just seen as a number, nor do I have targets that I have to reach. I have your best interest in heart and mind.
Is counselling confidential?
Yes, counselling is confidential. I am bound by ethical guidelines to protect your privacy. However, there are some exceptions, such as when there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, or in cases of abuse or neglect. I will explain the confidentiality policy during your initial session.
I am a registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is the UK's independent body set up to uphold information rights, covering laws including the Data Protection Act 2018, Freedom of Information and Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations.
Can counselling help me lose weight?
Counselling can indeed help with weight loss, especially when combined with other strategies such as diet, exercise, and medical interventions.
Here's how counselling can support weight loss efforts:
Psychological Support and Motivation
Behavioral Therapy: Counselling can help identify and change unhealthy eating patterns and behaviors. Behavioral therapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), is effective in addressing issues like emotional eating and poor self-control.
Motivation and Goal Setting: A counsellor can help you set realistic and achievable weight loss goals, and provide motivation and accountability to keep you on track.
Stress Management: Stress is a common factor that can lead to overeating. Counselling can provide techniques to manage stress, such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and coping strategies.
Addressing Underlying Issues
Emotional Eating: Many people eat in response to emotions such as boredom, sadness, or stress.
Counselling can help you identify and understand these triggers and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Self-Esteem and Body Image: Improving self-esteem and body image can reduce negative feelings and promote healthier behaviors.
Mental Health Conditions: Conditions like depression, anxiety, and eating disorders can contribute to weight gain. Counselling can address these issues, potentially improving your overall well-being and making weight loss more achievable.
Developing Healthy Habits
Education and Awareness: Counsellors can provide education about nutrition, healthy eating, and the importance of physical activity.
Habit Formation: Counselling can help you develop and maintain healthy habits, such as regular exercise, balanced eating, and mindful eating practices.
Long-Term Success
Relapse Prevention: Counselling can teach strategies to prevent relapse into old, unhealthy habits. This includes developing a support system and learning how to handle setbacks.
Sustainable Changes: The focus on psychological and behavioral changes can lead to sustainable, long-term weight loss rather than quick fixes.