Lisa Howarth

My private practice availability is Thursday and Friday (day/eve) with some Saturday mornings. Face to face sessions take place at a comfortable counselling room in Chorlton, South Manchester. 

I can also offer evening sessions online or on the telephone. Please contact me to arrange times which suit you. 

If you would prefer 'Walking and Talking' and the benefits this can bring, this is also something I'm happy to discuss.

Do you need help to make changes?

Have you found yourself in a persistent low mood, feeling anxious, angry or overwhelmed? You may be experiencing conflict in a relationship, anxiety after a distressing event or a  knock to your confidence. Feeling very self critical?

However you're feeling, research has shown the value of working with a therapist in addressing problems.* As an experienced Advanced Therapeutic Counsellor (BACP), one of my focus is relationships – not only in the relationships we have with other people, but the relationship we have with  parts of ourselves that support us, help us thrive and rise to challenges, or keep us sad, stuck and unhappy in negative cycles.

I focus on building a compassionate, non-judgmental, trusting and respectful relationship with you. The work we do together will help you explore these parts and feelings; build your own self compassion and self-respect; uncover and challenge negative self-beliefs and patterns of behaviour; increase your ability to self-soothe; overcome barriers – all at a pace that suits you.

My work is 'trauma informed', in that I understand the effect trauma has on the mind and body, and can offer strategies to calm and soothe, and reduce stress and physical symptoms. 

I have supported people in a variety of areas, including my current role as a counsellor and counselling service co-ordinator in an NHS Step 3 organisation, with Lifeline (drug users) and NACRO (offenders), supporting children and teenagers in schools as a high school pastoral manager, and children with Special Educational Needs. 

Please do contact me if your older teenager is struggling. 

For younger children I can offer Drawing & Talking, which allows people to discover and process emotions through a non-directed technique. 

I grew up in a diverse community, and am confident that you will find me warm, non-judgmental and open minded. I have lived experience, and understanding, of neurodiversity. I welcome clients with autism/ADHD and their partners/families. 

Difficulties I have worked with include relationships, anxiety, procrastination, family dynamics, menopause, difficult births, attachment, bereavement and loss, workplace stress, health problems, and am actively increasing my knowledge around issues of gender and sexuality.. 

Regarding numbers of sessions, that is entirely upto you. You may find one or two sessions enough to benefit you, or prefer to work together for longer

I offer concessionary rates for counselling students and block bookings.

I understand how important it is that you feel comfortable with your therapist. 

I offer a 30 min, face-to-face introductory session for £15.00, or a free 20 min telephone session, where we can discuss your main area of concern and whether I am the right fit for you. 

If we decide not to go ahead, for whatever reason, I will offer a referral to another trusted therapist. 

* https://www.researchgate.net/publication/232477357_Research_Summary_of_the_Therapeutic_Relationship_and_Psychotherapy_Outcome