Lisa Hayter
Counselling 

It can be difficult to take that first step of finding help, especially if you are finding it hard to pinpoint what is wrong. People around us often push us towards decisions that might not be right for us and might not be ours. I seek to give someone the space and time to explore what is happening, with an honest, open response that enables them to think about their own wants and needs and to have autonomy over their decisions.

 

Some research has shown that the relationship between client and counsellor is more important than the approach the counsellor uses. I strive to create a non-judgemental and empathic counselling space in order to step towards enabling a person to have independence over their own world and choices.

 

I mainly work using the Person Centred Approach, however counsellors are required to constantly refresh and review their work and training, and as such, I bring a broader understanding of current approaches and thinking. I offer a non-pathologising approach to mental health.

 

The Person Centred Approach sees every individual as having the internal resources they need for growth, and helps people to work at their own pace. I aim to create a safe, supportive and respectful space for you to look at your life and think about how you want to move forward.

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GSRD (Gender, Sexuality and Relationship Diversity)

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I have a lot of experience working with a broad span of issues related to gender identity, sexual orientation and relationship diversity. I have continued to undertake training and learning to keep my understanding current. I identify as queer and my practice has been dedicated to the LGBTQI+ community. I am kink aware and a sex-worker friendly therapist. I am aiming to provide a space of acceptance and affirmation, whatever your reasons for seeking therapy.

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Intersectionality, Difference and Diversity

 

In order to create a safe and non-oppressive therapeutic alliance, I seek to engage with a person’s full experience, such as age, race, gender, class, sexual orientation, religion and anything else that impacts on identity. I acknowledge the broader issues of power and oppression and how this impacts on marginalised groups. I also see the joy, meaning and unique strength within these identities and diversities. 

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Neurodivergence

 

I take a neuroaffirming approach to my work and my life. This means challenging neurotypical expectations and being open to finding ways of connecting and working together to create a helpful space for you. I have undertaken additional training around supporting people who are ADHD and/or autistic, however, I see people as unique and individual and would be working to understand what this means to you.

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Counselling or Psychotherapy?

These terms are often used interchangeably by professionals who offer talking therapy, and can be the subject of much discussion and debate. 

Counselling enables you to gain emotional support and guidance around a particular symptom, difficult situation, or challenging period in your life.

Psychotherapy is often a longer term process which supports insight into emotional problems. These might be deeply rooted issues, which are causing problems more broadly in your life.

However, both these approaches can be present within sessions to a lesser or greater degree.

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I provide long term or short term sessions and I am also able to work with you over the phone or using an online video platform.

Sessions last for 50 minutes.