Lydia Squire

I am an integrative counsellor working with person-centred and psychodynamic approaches, and I have a particular interest in supporting survivors of rape and sexual assault — whether from a recent incident or historical abuse in adulthood or childhood — as well as their family members. I also warmly welcome clients experiencing anxiety, low mood and depression, stress, and trauma more broadly. 

My interest in working with sexual abuse survivors developed further through volunteering with Trust House in Reading, a specialist charity in this area, where I gained valuable experience and trauma-informed training that I am continuing to build on through further study. 

Please note: I work with clients who are currently safe from their abuser; if you are still in a live situation, I am happy to share details of local charities who can offer support right now.

I believe the foundation of good counselling is the relationship between client and counsellor, and I will never rush that process.

We will take time getting to know one another before approaching any difficult past experiences, and you will never be pushed to revisit anything before you feel ready, or at all if that is your choice. 

I understand some clients arrive wanting to get started quickly, and I honour that, but I also hold firmly to the importance of building safety and trust first.

I currently offer 50-minute evening sessions via video or telephone.

We begin with a free 20-minute phone call where you can share what has brought you to counselling, I can explain how I work, and you can take as much time as you need to decide whether we feel like a good fit.