Elizabeth Crawford

I generally have some availability in the afternoons and at weekends but not evenings. 

I am a person-centred counsellor, but am also trained to offer strategies and life skills. This means that I can support you with a wide range of issues such as anxiety/panic attacks, low mood/depression, relationship issues, work problems, bereavement, domestic abuse and PTS/PTSD. I try to make the counselling experience one that suits your needs, makes you feel heard and helps you to become more independent and able to cope with life's difficulties.

I usually like to have a quick chat with you on the phone to establish the main reasons for you wanting to have counselling, but this is not obligatory if you don't like to speak on the phone. I also usually email my counselling agreement, privacy notice and a sheet for your contact details to be completed before the first session. If email is not possible, we can go through them in our first session. 

I understand that it can be difficult for some people to get to a therapist, so I endeavour to offer other solutions such as WhatsApp, Zoom, or telephone counselling. For the times when I can offer counselling at my home, please be aware that I have a small dog. She is friendly, but please do let me know if dogs are a problem for you. Also, I work from home in Caton, not Lancaster, so you may need transport to get to me.

Some people feel they need to prepare for each session - if that helps you, then that's fine; sometimes just coming with a blank mind and seeing what comes out is equally beneficial. 

I generally don't use assessments, but I can if you have used them before and feel they help. I tend to just ask you to talk in more detail about what has brought you to counselling and what you feel you want to achieve. The sessions are not set in stone - I will try to fit in with what helps you the best.