Lara Cresswell

Flexible appointments: Mon-Fri (day & evening), some Saturdays.

Online and Phone Sessions: UK-wide.

Face-to-face Sessions: Warrington, Cheshire. Convenient for Manchester, Chester, Liverpool.

BACP and NCPS-registered Clinical Supervisor

I have an Advanced Certificate in Clinical Supervision and bring 18 years’ counselling experience and 13 as a former social worker. I've supported clients with diverse issues across varied organisations, including trauma-informed services. I understand the pressures that come with this work.

I offer individual and group supervision for counsellors and trainees, working with adults and young people. Supervision is available in-person and remotely for counsellors working with clients face to face, online or by telephone. I supervise practitioners across a range of settings, including private practice, EAPs, the NHS, schools, universities and specialist charities.

Alongside Supervision, I provide reflective workplace support for staff in allied sectors: social work, probation, education and health. Separate from line management, sessions provide space for practitioners to feel heard and supported, and to think through the demands of their roles.

My Approach

My approach to supervision is rooted in my person-centred counselling background and informed by my integrative supervision training. We adapt how we work to your modality, experience and needs.

I see supervision as a collaborative process built on mutual trust and respect, where being able to reflect on what happens between us contributes to its effectiveness.

My aim is to create a secure environment where you can explore your work openly, without fear of judgement, while also receiving feedback that helps you practise safely and effectively as the therapist you aspire to be.

I provide a balance of support and challenge to help you grow and maintain high professional standards.

Whatever your level of experience 

I particularly enjoy working with those who are curious about themselves and open to different perspectives. I value honesty and openness, and aim to bring those qualities to our supervision too. Ethical practice matters deeply to me.

If this sounds like the kind of supervision you’re looking for, get in touch to arrange a free initial conversation. 

If you phone, please leave a voicemail if you'd like me to call you back. I only return calls where a call-back has been requested.

Fees

My fees are: £55.00 per one-hour session, £45.00 for trainees. Group/organisation rates on request.

Please note that trainee reports for college may be discussed and collaboratively written in supervision sessions.

Flexible appointments: Mon-Fri (day & evening), some Saturdays.

Online and Telephone Sessions: UK-wide.  

Face-to-face Sessions: Warrington, Cheshire. Convenient for Manchester, Chester, Liverpool.

BACP and NCPS-registered counsellor and former social worker with over 30 years professional experience.  

I'm Lara. I work with individuals who feel overwhelmed and stuck. I help them manage difficult feelings and find ways forward. I support people with a wide range of difficulties and have particular experience helping those affected by trauma. Many of the adults I see feel trapped in unfulfilling situations, harmful relationships or patterns of people-pleasing. I help them prioritise their needs and live more on their own terms.

Whether you’re dealing with a loss or change, struggling with self-doubt, or hoping to feel more confident, I offer a compassionate, confidential setting to discuss what matters to you without pressure. No judgements, hurrying you, or asking probing questions. I may offer new perspectives and possibilities but we move gently at your pace towards the changes you are looking for.

My approach is trauma-informed. I recognise that past experiences can affect how safe it feels to trust, say No or talk about what's happened. I’ll respect your choices about what you share and where we focus. 

Qualifications 

My core training is in Person-Centred counselling.  I have also undertaken a range of further courses in other approaches (e.g. CBT, psychodynamic, solution-focused), alongside training in trauma, safeguarding and child protection.  Main qualifications:

• Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
• Certificate in Online & Telephone Counselling
• Advanced Certificate in Clinical Supervision
• ADHD Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CSSP)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work
• BA Hons Community Studies (Social Sciences)

Experience prior to private practice

• Counselling in prisons
• Therapy in sexual abuse and domestic violence recovery services
• School counselling (mainstream and specialist SEMH)
• Online & telephone helplines
• Bereavement support
• Social work in child protection, family courts, and residential care

I deliver counselling online (via Zoom and phone) UK-wide and in person for clients from across the North West, including Grappenhall, Stockton Heath, and Lymm. I also offer walk-and-talk therapy. Instead of sitting face-to-face, we walk side-by-side outdoors, exploring issues in a natural setting.

I offer Person-Centred counselling and frequently provide therapy for trainees undertaking pluralistic and integrative training.

Sessions can be scheduled flexibly to suit your needs.

I offer a free, initial meeting of up to 30-minutes, via video call or in-person.  This is simply a conversation to see if we're the right fit.

My Fees

1-hour Counselling Session: £50.00 (£40.00 for trainee counsellors)

1-hour Supervision Session: £50.00 (£45.00 for trainee counsellors).

Fees are payable in cash or by card at the end of each session. Payment for online sessions and young people’s counselling is made in advance via payment link. 

Contacting Me

If you’d like to explore working together, feel free to get in touch.. I'd love to hear from you.

If you phone, please leave a voicemail if you'd like me to call you back. I only return calls where a call-back has been requested.