Lizzie Buckwell Counselling
Counselling in Alton, Hampshire
Welcome to Lizzie Buckwell Counselling
Hello, I'm Lizzie, an integrative counsellor based in Alton, Hampshire. It is hard to take the steps to reach out for support when you need it most and then finding a counsellor that is right for you can seem overwhelming. Acknowledging that you need help or support does not mean that you are weak or self-indulgent; it means that you are ready to make changes and begin to take control of your life. Counselling involves talking with someone, like myself, who is trained to help you explore your difficulties or distress in a safe way. Counselling may help you by offering a place to take some time-out to explore your thoughts and feelings. It is a space for you to be heard, where you are able to be honest, without feeling judged or criticised. Let me tell a little bit about me.
I have spent most of my working life in roles that have involved supporting and helping people of all ages, from all backgrounds, at some of the most difficult times in their life. I have realised the profound impact that open dialogue and deep listening can have on improving emotional well-being and creating change and personal growth.
My experience and insight were shaped and enhanced from working for many years in the NHS in a clinical role. As well as this, I have worked in the education sector for over twenty years, which further enriched my ability to connect and deepen my understanding, to be able to support clients of all ages and backgrounds. Having helped adults, young people and children through various life challenges, I have developed a genuine respect for the diversity and uniqueness of each individual. My professional training, along with my own life experiences, has shaped me into the counsellor I am today. I am here to support you, with the challenges and issues, you face in your life.
Whatever you are facing, I will meet you with warmth, respect, acceptance and empathy. I will provide a warm welcoming space for adults, children and young people to explore challenges and develop personal growth that will provide positive transformation and healing.
I hold an enhanced DBS certificate. I'm fully insured and ICO registered. I have completed safeguarding and Prevent training.
Counselling
There are times where we feel we are struggling and overwhelmed with emotions or difficult life events that we are facing. We may take steps to reach out and talk to those closest to us which can be helpful but there can often be limitations as they may have an unconscious bias or try to 'fix' things as they may find our pain or difficulties too much to bear. Counselling provides a safe, confidential, calm and non-judgemental space, where together we can explore your thoughts and feelings about anything that may be troubling you. The counselling sessions I provide will provide a safe place for healing and transformation. I'm able to help you with understanding your feelings and emotions, such as anxiety, sadness, anger, grief and loneliness.
Counselling can help you:
- Take the steps towards making the changes you want to that will enhance your life
- To accept things in your life that cannot change
- Achieve deeper insights into your relationships
I trained as an integrative counsellor which means I draw on techniques from different types of therapy to tailor an approach specially for you and the difficulties you are facing. I may include elements of psychodynamic, person centred, transactional analysis and cognitive behavioual therapy. The advantage of being an Integrative therapist is that I am not tied to only one way of working. I can select the best orientation for whatever my clients bring, week to week. Whichever theory is used, it is always important for the client to consider what changes they would like to make in the future. Sometimes it’s hard to express in words difficult experiences, thoughts and emotions. In these situations, I sometimes use creative approaches such as cards, drawing, worksheets, sand tray work, shells and stones. It can be particularly effective with young people, neurodivergent clients and those who encounter difficulties expressing themselves.
At the heart of my practice is the therapeutic relationship and this is an important component towards successful counselling. I am committed to creating such a therapeutic relationship with you. I will listen to you attentively and respectfully, without imposing my own views or expectations on you. I will also encourage you to explore your feelings and thoughts at your own pace and direction. My goal is to help you find your own solutions and resources within yourself. This will provide a deeper understanding of what drives your patterns of behaviour, how you relate to others and your negative emotions. By gaining greater insight into why you feel the way you do, considering the various options and exploring ways of making positive changes in your life, you will feel more empowered and in control.
What to expect in your first session
Finding a counsellor you can trust and connect with is essential so you can explore your thoughts and feelings openly. To begin with, I offer a free 30-minute (no obligation) confidential phone or video call so that you can ask any questions you may have. This also provides a good starting point for you to explain what brings you to therapy and what you would like to achieve from the sessions.
After this, if we both feel happy, a first session can be arranged. This will be chargeable at my session rate.
This first session will give us an opportunity to get to know each other better and for you to experience the ways in which I work. We’ll talk through how counselling and psychotherapy can help you reach your goals and establish the best way forward. It will be entirely your decision if you choose to book further sessions.
Further sessions
If we decide to work together, the sessions will be reviewed at agreed intervals (usually every 4-6 sessions), and we will look at how the sessions are progressing and where you feel you are in terms of your goals.
I can help you with:
Anxiety, stress & panic
Abuse
Attachment issues
Bereavement & loss
Bullying & discrimination
Co-dependency
Confidence & self-esteem issues
Depression or low mood
Emotional regulation difficulties
Identity, gender & sexuality
Life transitions
Loneliness & isolation
Neurodiversity
Relationship issues
Self-harm
Shame
Suicidal ideation
Trauma
Sessions & Fees
I offer a free 30 minute Google Meet/Zoom or telephone consultation. This will provide an opportunity for us both to see if we are a good fit and for you to ask any questions that you may have.
For face to face and online/telephone sessions, £50 for 50mins
For walk and talk therapy £50 for 60 mins.
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please give 24 hours notice before the time of the session. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will be charged the full session fee. If there is a genuine emergency or illness, we can discuss this on a case by case basis.
For a full breakdown of my terms and conditions, including confidentiality agreement, ethical practices, data protection and privacy policy, please refer to my counselling contract. This will be provided to you before our first session.
Location
I am located at Pure Alternative Therapy, 131, Victoria Road, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 2DD. My practice is easily accessible from the surrounding areas such as Basingstoke, Farnham, Winchester, Bordon, Hook, Odiham and New Alresford.
I also offer online sessions via Zoom and Google Meet.
Contact Me
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial consultation. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of starting counselling and whether I am the right therapist for you. You can also call me on 07475616343 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential.