Rhian Lewis

Helo a chroeso. Mae cwnsela ar gael drwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg hefyd.

Hello and welcome. We can all feel anxious, stressed and overwhelmed at times. I am here to help you explore your world, in your own way with warmth and without judgement. I offer a warm and safe space for you to explore anything you wish. I aim to help you feel comfortable, heard and accepted.

I've been a qualified counsellor for over 13 years, and have 20 years experience of supporting people therapeutically across a range of sectors and services.

I have specialist knowledge and experience of working with trauma, domestic abuse, sexual violence, grief especially around baby loss, anxiety and building self esteem/self confidence. 

Qualifications

*Graduate diploma in counselling from the University of Chester.

*Completed MSc modules in the University of Chester on PTSD, and the treatment of PTSD.

*Post graduate certificate from Edgehill University in Health and Social Care in modules around Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

*I'm currently studying Somatic Trauma Therapy on Babette Rothchild's trauma course, and will be commencing a post grad diploma in CYP counselling in October 22. 

MBACP registration.

Training

I've undertaken many training courses over the years in trauma, safeguarding, mental health first aid, grief, baby loss, substance misuse, ASIST suicide intervention, anxiety, depression, self esteen, post traumatic growth and many more. I'm also a Trauma Informed Educator. 

I offer Person Centred talking therapy through a 50 minute session for clients over 18. There are no set time limits with counselling and it can take an average of between 6-12 weeks, but everyone is unique and therefore this will be set at your own pace.

I offer sessions over the phone or through zoom. I usually offer counselling sessions during the evenings. 

Counselling can be be life changing and it's an opportunity to learn more about yourself. But it can also be emotional, challenging and hard work.

Counselling is not a quick fix - it's a process that we'll go through together. We will hopefully be able to build a strong relationship which can help you towards a positive way of living.

We can work on a set amount of sessions with a specific goal in mind, or you can engage in counselling for as long as you require. It's whatever works best for you. 

It’s normal to experience nerves, anxiety, and fear, as well as many other thought processes when thinking about accessing counselling especially if it's for the first time. Many clients find it helpful to know a little bit more about what will happen in our first session together to manage some of those feelings.

I offer a free 10 minute initial call as an introduction and to see if you’d like to continue working with me.

The first session will then:

*Be an introduction to counselling, and what I can offer as a counsellor. I will ask you about your presenting issues and will discuss with you the way that I work.

*We will complete some paperwork around assessment and risk. During the first session you will be asked certain questions about yourself and your life. This information will ensure that I'm the best person to be able to best meet your needs.

*There will be an opportunity for you to ask any questions. You can also check to see if I'm the right person for you. You may not be able to answer that straight away, but trust your instincts. The relationship between the client and counsellor is central to the ongoing sessions.

*You will also be required to sign a contract. This will include factors such as confidentiality, privacy, time boundaries, what to do if you can’t attend a session and situations when I may be required to disclose information about you. This does not mean that you are contracted to carry on with counselling, or be able to change your mind at a later date.