Louise Rossiter

Trauma and difficult childhood experiences can leave lasting effects that show up in adulthood as anxiety, low self-esteem, people-pleasing, perfectionism, relationship difficulties, emotional overwhelm, or a persistent sense of not feeling good enough.

I offer a compassionate and collaborative space to explore how past experiences may be influencing your present-day life. I recognise that trauma is not only about what happened to us, but also about what we may have needed and not received. Together, we can begin to understand patterns that once helped you cope but may now be limiting your ability to feel connected, safe and fulfilled.

My approach is informed by Internal Family Systems (IFS), which understands that we all have different parts of ourselves that have developed to protect us from pain. Rather than judging or trying to get rid of these parts, we work towards understanding them with curiosity and compassion, helping them to feel heard and supported. This can create space for healing and for more choice in how you respond to yourself and others.

I work at a pace that feels safe for you. Therapy does not require reliving traumatic experiences in detail. Instead, we focus on building a trusting therapeutic relationship, developing emotional resources, and helping you reconnect with your strengths, needs and sense of self.

Whether you are beginning to question the impact of your childhood or have spent years trying to make sense of your experiences, therapy can provide an opportunity to understand yourself more deeply and move towards a life that feels more grounded, authentic and meaningful.

Beginning therapy can feel daunting, especially if you have spent much of your life coping alone, putting others' needs first, or feeling that your experiences were not understood or taken seriously. My aim is to provide a calm, compassionate and non-judgemental space where all parts of you are welcome.

I work collaboratively, recognising that each person's experience of trauma is unique. We will move at a pace that feels manageable for you, paying attention to what feels safe enough to explore in the present rather than focusing solely on what happened in the past. Building trust and a sense of safety within the therapeutic relationship is an important part of the work.

My approach is informed by Internal Family Systems (IFS), which views the mind as made up of different parts that have developed over time to help us survive and cope. You may notice parts of yourself that criticise, avoid, please others, overwork, shut down, or become overwhelmed. Rather than seeing these responses as problems to be fixed, we can begin to understand them with curiosity and compassion, appreciating how they may once have protected you.

Alongside exploring patterns and experiences, therapy can help you develop greater emotional awareness, self-compassion and confidence in responding to your needs. Many clients find that as they gain a deeper understanding of themselves, they begin to feel less stuck, more connected in relationships and more able to live in ways that reflect who they are rather than who they have needed to be.

I offer both online and face-to-face sessions and welcome adults who are curious about the impact of childhood experiences and who would like support in moving towards a greater sense of ease, balance and authenticity in their lives.

I offer a free 30-minute initial consultation. This gives us an opportunity to discuss what has brought you to therapy, what you hope to gain from counselling, and whether I feel I am the right therapist to support you. It is also a chance for you to ask any questions you may have about the therapeutic process, my approach, or how we might work together.

There is no obligation to continue after the consultation. Finding a therapist you feel comfortable with is an important part of therapy, and I encourage you to take the time you need to decide whether working together feels like a good fit.

If you choose to begin therapy, our first full session will involve exploring your current difficulties, relevant background experiences, and what you would like to achieve from therapy. We will work collaboratively to understand your needs and agree a pace that feels safe and manageable for you.

I offer both online and face-to-face sessions for adults, providing either short-term support or longer-term therapy depending on your individual circumstances and goals.