Lara Cresswell

Face-to-face, telephone and online sessions available Monday to Friday (days, evenings). Free initial consultation.

I am a BACP-registered, insured Person-Centred Counsellor (and certified Online and Telephone Practitioner) with nearly 30 years’ combined experience as a counsellor and former social worker. I offer counselling for a wide range of difficulties to adults and young people aged 13+ from a private, dedicated therapy room at my home in Warrington, Cheshire.

An experienced safeguarding practitioner, specialised in working with trauma and skilled at supporting neuro-diversity, I have over the years helped people of all ages and backgrounds with many other issues including anxiety, bereavement and relationship/family breakdown. I know from my work that with safe and compassionate support, people can move forward from the most difficult of pasts and circumstances.

In addition to Private Practice, my experience includes: counselling in a male prison; specialist sexual abuse and domestic violence services; therapy in SEMH secondary education; online mental health support; bereavement co-ordinator role; adult helpline services; independent assessments for family courts; child protection social work and residential social work with young adults.

I take care to create a genuine connection with you that fosters trust and openness. My clients often feedback that they experience me as warm and down-to-earth. Many are surprised how quickly they felt at ease and able to share very private thoughts and feelings.

My commitment is to provide a safe and confidential environment for you to share your struggles. No judgements, criticism, hurrying you or asking you probing questions. We work at your pace to your agenda with what you choose to bring.  

You will be the one who knows yourself best. Though I may challenge any thoughts and behaviour that appear to be holding you back (and invite you to consider new possibilities), I will do so gently, always respecting your choices and the time you need to get to where you want to be.  Whether this is finding some acceptance of things that have been difficult, feeling better able to cope, or making important decisions or changes, I won’t try to change you. My aim is to enhance your confidence and trust in yourself so you are able to identify what you need going forward and make the changes that YOU are looking for.

My fees

The regular fee for counselling and supervision (see link to supervisor profile) is £45.00 for a sixty minute session (£35.00 for Trainee/Student Counsellors and 18+ in Full-Time Higher Education). 

I ask clients to pay for their final session in advance and as long as they inform me with a minimum of 48 hours when cancelling/changing an appointment, no fee is charged. 

Payment for online therapy and young people’s counselling is made in advance via secure payment-link. For in person appointments, I accept payment in cash or by card or Apple/Google Pay at the end of the session.

Initial Consultation

I offer a NO-FEE, no obligation 30-minute meeting (either by telephone, online or in person) to help you decide if I am the right counsellor for you.

There is no pressure. It’s simply an opportunity to talk about what brings you to counselling and for you to find out what it involves. 

First Session

If you know already that you would like to attend your first counselling session, please do get in touch to book. In the first session, we look at the Counselling Agreement: a written agreement which covers our terms for working together. This and my Privacy policy are available on request.

If you are interested in finding out more about how I can help you, get in touch today. I look forward to hearing from you.

Free Person-Centred Supervision from a Supervisor in Training. Student and qualified counsellors welcome.

Day and evening appointments for online and in-person sessions available, from a home-based, dedicated therapy room in Warrington, Cheshire. 

Location convenient for Manchester, Chester and Liverpool.  

I am a BACP-registered person-centred counsellor and former social worker with nearly 30 years’ combined experience working with adults and children across multiple contexts. I am in the final stages of my supervision qualification and as part of the process I am able to offer a few individuals some free-of-charge supervision sessions.

My supervision training is the Advanced Certificate in Clinical Supervision including Online and Telephone Working (mapped to Level 6 and follows BACP, NCPS and ACTO competencies). I am trained and confident to offer supervision online and in person to counsellors working in either of these formats.

I have 16+ years of post-qualification counselling experience, now work exclusively privately and support my practice by engaging in my own supervision and CPD. Like my work history, my education is varied, reflecting a long held interest and passion for equity, social justice and chances for all to start over.  My primary qualifications are: BA Hons Community Studies (Social Sciences); Post-graduate Diploma in Social Work; Certificate in Counselling Skills; Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling; and Certificate in Online & Telephone Counselling (ACTO-approved).

If you are a trainee or qualified person-centred counsellor, I would love to hear from you. I aim to provide supervisees with a supportive and gently challenging environment to reflect on and review their practice, to ensure they are working safely and effectively – and to their potential. I value ethical behaviour and place high priority on anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory practice. I want you to do your best work for your clients. I want you to grow and move forward.

I offer person-centred supervision that draws on the seven-eyed model of supervision, which is the core of my training. In line with my counselling practice, my focus remains on the importance of achieving rapport, mutual trust and openness in the supervisory relationship.

I intend to provide an accepting space where you feel safe to bring all aspects of your work – uncertainties and struggles as well as successes. I’ll offer honest feedback.

Please contact me here, on 07537806018 or at laracresswellcounselling@gmail.com to arrange a NO-Fee, no-pressure introductory meeting of approximately 30 minutes to see if we would like to work together.

Fees:

I am currently offering some free sessions. Each individual will have the opportunity to have three x 1.5 hour supervision sessions. 

Once supervision becomes payable, the regular fee is £45.00 per 1 hour (£35.00 for trainees).  Fees will be reviewed annually and notice given of any changes. 

Note that I operate a 48-hour cancellation policy and reports for college may be discussed and collaboratively written in supervision sessions.

I also welcome enquiries from trainee counsellors who are looking for personal therapy. Please see my main therapist profile.