Liessa Callaghan

You may be seeking counselling because you feel anxious, low, overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns you don’t fully understand. Often people come without a clear reason for how they feel, only a sense that something doesn’t feel settled, or that they have been holding things together for a long time.

I am an experienced psychodynamic counsellor, working with adults and young people. I offer a calm, reflective space where thoughts, feelings, and experiences can be explored at a pace that feels manageable for you. My approach is trauma-informed and attentive to how emotional difficulties are shaped through past experiences, particularly within relationships, and how these continue to affect life in the present.

Psychodynamic counselling is not about quick solutions. It offers time and space to think more deeply about patterns, emotional responses, and ways of coping that may have developed over time. Sessions provide a confidential setting where feelings can be explored openly, including those that may feel confusing, uncomfortable, or hard to put into words.

I work in a way that is collaborative and respectful, starting wherever you are. I am a registered member of the BACP, work in line with their ethical framework, and have regular supervision. I also undertake ongoing professional development to support safe and effective practice.

Many people consider counselling when emotional or relational difficulties begin to feel increasingly hard to manage alone. This may include anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties, feelings of disconnection, or a sense of repeating patterns. You may have coped for a long time before reaching out.

In our work together, sessions offer a regular, confidential space to reflect on what is happening for you. Over the first few weeks, people often describe a sense of relief in having somewhere they do not need to manage things alone. Feeling heard and understood can be an important first step, even if clarity does not come straight away.

Over time, some people begin to notice greater awareness of their emotional responses, patterns in relationships, or ways they have learned to cope. This can support feeling more grounded, less self-critical, and more able to pause rather than react. Any changes tend to develop gradually and at an individual pace.

Psychodynamic counselling is flexible and can be adapted to individual needs. I work in a trauma-informed way and have experience working with neurodivergent adults and young people who wish to explore how neurodiversity shapes their sense of self and relationships.

I offer face-to-face counselling in Epsom and Banstead, as well as online sessions across the UK.

Starting counselling can feel daunting, especially if you are unsure what you want to talk about. You do not need to have everything worked out before beginning.

I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation, which gives you an opportunity to ask questions and get a sense of whether working together feels right for you. There is no obligation to continue after this call.

Your first full session is 50 minutes and is an opportunity to begin exploring what has brought you to counselling. We will talk about what feels important for you to share, how counselling might help, and practical arrangements such as session times and boundaries. There is no formal assessment, and you are not expected to disclose anything you are not ready to talk about.

Sessions are usually weekly and last 50 minutes. Fees are £65 per session, payable weekly on the day of your appointment. A limited number of concessionary spaces are available for counsellors in training.

If you are considering counselling, you are welcome to get in touch for an initial conversation to see whether this feels like the right space for you.