Leonie Coles

I work throughout the week, with flexible hours that can be tailored to meet clients schedules.  

Hello, my name is Leonie and I am a qualified BACP Registered Counsellor.  

There are lots of different types of 'counselling' out there which can become really confusing.  In my experience, the majority of people who want to have some counselling, just want to be helped.  

For me, the most important part of being 'helped' involves having a good relationship with your counsellor.  And what I mean by this, is having someone with whom you feel is comfortable, safe and can open up to them without feeling like you will be judged.  This is often referred to as the 'therapeutic relationship' and research shows that counselling is likely to have more than a 50% chance of being successful if you have a strong therapeutic relationship with your counsellor.

The second element of successful counselling comes down to dealing with the issues that you are experiencing.  I am an 'Integrative Therapist' which means that I will look at the client's issues and draw on a variety of different counselling techniques to help the client in the best way possible given their circumstances and needs.  This could mean just listening to the client and reflecting back to them, or it could mean being more challenging with questions to make the client think differently about their position.  Either way, the counselling that you have with me will be a team effort, working together to ensure that we find , working the best way forward to help you reach your goal of where you would like to be.  

I also specialise in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy  (CBT) which is a more directive type of counselling that helps clients overcome specific problems, often relating to negative thinking.  We use techniques to try and reframe those negative thought patterns, making the outcome in their live much more positive.  

My private practice work is based from my home in rural Thakaham.  I have a cosy, calm and confidential space, with parking right outside.  There is even a village cafe pretty much next door where you can have a coffee and cake if you are early.

In order for any form of counselling to be successful, I believe that you need to feel safe and comfortable with your counsellor.  During our first session, you will have an opportunity to meet with me and see whether you think I am somebody that you feel you could work with.  Being vulnerable with a complete stranger is not an easy thing to do, and meeting with me is the first step in gauging how comfortable you feel with me.