Lucy Cruickshank

Hi, I'm Lucy, a bereavement, grief and loss specialist and IFS therapist based in Poole and I help people navigate some of the many difficult thoughts, feelings and emotions grief and trauma can generate. I also help people who are struggling with non-bereavement losses such as the loss of a job, a home, a relationship, or health. 

When a loved one dies, when  lose something that matters to us or trauma takes away a way a big part of us, our world can complete change and we grieve in some way.  We can grieve for what we had or should have had, for the life we planned, or the person we used to be before the loss happened. 

We all experience grief very differently, some of it we can navigate by ourselves and sometimes we need someone to be there alongside us.  

However grief is there for you, I'm here to help and walk  beside you every step of the way so you don't have to carry it alone.

I offer in-person, online and outdoor therapy sessions, all of which are on a one to one basis.  I can also offer home visit appointments, depending on location, circumstances and availability, to help make support as accessible as possible. 

*Please note that I am currently only able to support people who are 18 years and over. 

A lot of how I work comes from a model called IFS (Internal Family Systems) which is a very compassionate approach and particularly helpful for grief, trauma and life-changing losses. 

In IFS we make space for all the different thoughts and feelings, or "parts" that are there so we can get to to know and understand the ways they're trying to help you. We also help them to connect with the wise, compassionate Self of you that can hold grief  without being overwhelmed by it

Although IFS often informs how I work, I understand it may not feel right for everyone and if that's true for you, we won't use it. I'm what is called an integrative counsellor which means I'm able to draw on other approaches, besides IFS, so every session is tailored to whatever you feel is most helpful and supportive to you.

About Me

I've been counselling since 2018, first as part of my training and then after I fully qualified in 2020. In addition to my work here, I have a number of years experience of counselling, coaching and running training workshops in hospices, a GP surgery and for a cancer charity.

Outside of my practice, I enjoy dance, painting and drawing and taking long walks in nature. I also run a gentle wellbeing class for a local charity to help people stay active, build confidence and connect with others. 

Qualifications

IFS Level 2

Advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling

Level 3 Certificate in Integrative Counselling

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) Level 5

Certificate in Person Centred Creative Art Counselling

Mindfulness Practitioner Certificate

Counselling Children and Young People (8-18 years) 

I understand how important it is to find a counsellor you feel safe and comfortable with so I offer a free and confidential  20-minute  first telephone session so you can see how you feel about us working together first

On receipt of your enquiry, I will contact you to arrange a date and time for the call that’s helpful to you and where we will talk a little  about what you’d like help with. 

If you’d like us to work together after the initial call, we will then arrange our first session which can be in person or online. 

For more information, please contact me or visit my website at www.safeshorescounselling.com