Lorraine Ann

4U therapy comes from a broadly humanistic theoretical approach. 

I believe that human beings are capable of change and are not determined by biology or environment, although both play a part in who we are. I am not a purist and do not believe that one size or approach suits all clients. Having said that, I believe the core conditions of person-centred therapy (congruency, unconditional positive regard, and empathy) are important in laying the foundations for a good therapeutic alliance/relationship. 

I also utilise some elements of cognitive therapy, transactional analysis, and acceptance and commitment therapy where appropriate. Additionally, I offer mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and grounding techniques for clients experiencing an emotional crisis.

I understand and am experienced in working with neurodivergent clients. Additionally, I have lived on three continents and am aware of cultural differences and how they may inform therapy.

The 4 “u”s in 4u-therapy stand for UNLOAD/UNLOCK/UNLEARN/UNLEASH

4u-therapy is a safe space where you can

• unload your concerns, troubling thoughts, and worries

• unlock some of the causes of these patterns of thinking and behaving which may now be unhelpful

• unlearn responses that have lost their usefulness

• unleash your full potential 

4U- therapy is

• Confidential and boundaried and adheres to the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy ethical framework.

https://www.bacp.co.uk/events-and-resources/ethics-and-standards/ethical-framework-for-the-counselling-professions/

• Non-judgemental

• Egalitarian, where the client/therapist relationship is central to the therapy

• Integrative/eclectic and based on the needs and preferences of the client

I offer a free, initial 30-minute online session via Zoom.

In this initial session, you can ask me any questions about fees, availability, and my working method.

Additionally, I will ask what has brought you to seek counselling and what you expect to gain from it.

If we decide to work together, I will send you a counselling agreement, which I will ask you to sign and return before the next session. We will contract an initial number of sessions, which will be regularly reviewed during therapy. You will however be free to end the sessions at any time in the process.

Payment is by bank transfer and is due on or before each session. 

I offer flexible session lengths (30 - 90 minutes) and concessionary rates where applicable for students or others on a low income.

My availability fluctuates as I work in private practice as a counsellor and supervisor and as a sessional counsellor for the NHS. This means I have a rolling caseload, and different time slots become available throughout the year. Please get in touch with me for my current availability.

Supervision is a forum for counsellors to reflect on all aspects of their clinical work. In supervision, I prioritise the welfare of the counsellor's clients and the quality of the service they receive whilst supporting the counsellor in their work.  I am an integrative supervisor and follow Proctor's model of supervision, which is at times normative, formative and/or restorative. My supervisory style is based on a person-centred approach, and I offer accommodations to personal differences or needs. I welcome neurodivergent clients and am knowledgeable and experienced in this area. I also welcome clients from all cultures and consider myself to be culturally competent, having lived in ten countries across three continents. 

The way I work will differ depending on the level and competencies of the supervisee and where they are in their counselling journey. With experienced counsellors, I use a collegiate approach, whilst with student counsellors, I offer more guidance and support. This follows the Integrative developmental model of supervision. I am trained in Hawkins's Seven-Eyed Model of Supervision and have extensive experience working online. I currently use the Zoom platform for counselling and supervision, which states it is GDPR compliant. Face-to-face supervision in Prestatyn, North Wales, is available on request and will require a surcharge for room hire.

Please note that I am currently gaining experience as a Supervisor, having recently completed a course in clinical supervision.

What you can expect from me. I will 

• Treat you with dignity and respect at all times.
• Be available at the agreed time.
  
• Start and finish on time
  
• Offer an appropriate confidential space online/in the room. 
  
• Maintain safe professional boundaries
  
• Encourage you to develop and expand. your inner supervisor through autonomous decision-making 
  
• Work within the ethical framework that you practice under.
  
• Review the supervisory relationship regularly, and be open to feedback.
  
• Keep equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of my interactions.

In between sessions, I am contactable by email to arrange a ten-minute phone call if necessary if you have a dilemma which can't wait until our next booked session.

I offer a complimentary 20- 30 minute  "meet and greet session" online, where we ask each other questions and explore what you seek in supervision. We will have a chance to discuss the supervisory agreement and to decide if we are a good fit before proceeding.