Lesley Draper

By Request.

I am a warm, approachable integrative counsellor who believes everyone should  be understood so that they can grow. 

I don’t see therapy as giving advice or fixing people. I believe that as people become more aware of themselves, their experiences, emotions and patterns they begin to understand their feelings and behaviours with greater compassion.

From there, change becomes possible. I want clients to leave my sessions feeling heard, understood, connected and carrying a little more hope than when they arrived.

From self-criticism to self-understanding.

From feeling lost to knowing yourself better.

From living according to other people's expectations to making choices that feel true to you.

From surviving to feeling more present and connected.

When we slow down enough to notice ourselves with curiosity rather than judgement, we create the possibility for change.

There are times in life when we can lose sight of who we are. We may find ourselves feeling anxious, overwhelmed or lacking in confidence and self-esteem. Sometimes we've spent so long meeting other people's expectations that we've lost sight of ourselves and can't see the wood for the trees.

Counselling offers the time and space to slow things down, make sense of what's happening and develop a greater understanding of yourself. As your self-awareness grows, it becomes easier to recognise unhelpful patterns, understand where they come from and begin to make choices that feel right for you.

I aim to offer a warm, supportive and compassionate space where you feel heard, understood and accepted. My hope is that, over time, you'll begin to reconnect with yourself, feel more hopeful about the future and develop the confidence to move forward in a way that feels right for you.

I love the great outdoors and use nature and water to self actualise.