Lesley Wilkes

 Therapist BR5, Orpington 

I am an experienced counsellor who works with a range of emotional difficulties offering both short and longer term counselling.  My counselling practice is based a short walk from Petts Wood station.  As well as face to face counselling I  also offer online video support, to suit client need.  

Life presents us with challenges everyday which can leave us feeling frustrated, stressed and down, Often it is hard to find the words to express how we are feeling or to know who to speak to about the difficulties we're facing, and this can be an overwhelming and lonely experience.  We can't change what we have done in the past or what has happened to us but we can choose how to handle these challenges and how they will shape us.  Suffering is part of everyday life but each of us have the potential to take control of our own happiness.  If we choose to acknowledge our problems and find the courage to take responsibility for them, it is possible to achieve acceptance and find peace. 

I can provide you with a safe and confidential space to discuss whatever you would like at your own pace.  I will work towards an environment of trust where you feel comfortable to express yourself freely and without judgement.  I will be respectful of the difficulties you are facing and I will listen carefully to understand your experience.  With this foundation in place, we will work collaboratively to connect your current feelings to the source of your pain.  We will explore your thoughts to make better sense of your distress and work to goals we will set together.  We will work with the possibility of building on your confidence to enable you to make choices more in tune with how you wish to live your life and support yourself.  

I am trained in/and use Psychodynamic and Person Centred theory in my work.  I have an ongoing awareness of the relevance of the past and in particular childhood experience and how this might be impacting your life in the here and now.   My counselling style places emphasis on the strength of the therapeutic relationship, which I believe is very important, and I use a conversational style which I feel develops a more natural connection.   I am also able to offer interventions using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Transactional Analysis for solution focused goals.  My training in different approaches, allows me to adapt my way of working to suit your individual needs. 

Common themes in my work are: depression and low mood; anxiety and stress; relationship difficulties; childhood difficulties; childhood sexual abuse and neglect;  life stage transitions - challenging identity, confidence, self esteem, social isolation; social media difficulties; trauma; serious illness, recovery and managing chronic pain; grief/loss, bereavement - as a process to acceptance; self harm;  addiction; disordered eating; suicidal thoughts; self care. 

It is important to find the right counsellor where you feel comfortable and safe to share your concerns and I understand this may be an overwhelming and a difficult step to take.  In our first telephone conversation we can have a brief informal chat which will allow us to touch on the difficulties you are facing.  This will be confidential and we can discuss how I might be able to help you.  If you wish to proceed we can then book a face to face meeting which will take approximately 50 minutes.  During this assessment we can talk about your expectations and goals for the work.  I will explain what I can offer and how I see us working together.  You will then have autonomy to decide if you wish to proceed.   

Please give me a call or text me on 07551 223770. If I am unable to take your call please leave your name and contact details together with  a short message, and I will get back to you as soon as I can. Alternatively you can email me at lesleywilkescounselling@btinternet.com. 

Best wishes 

Lesley 

Please note, I am recognised on the following registers:  BUPA, AXA PPPHealthcare. Aviva, Vitality.

I am also able to offer Supervision to counsellors in private practice, or working in an agency setting.