Elisabeth Barton

Current Availability  - Good

I currently have some spaces so you won't have to wait long. 

Book a discovery call on the Just Bee website

• http://justbee.org.uk
• text or call me on 07808 494561
• email lis@justbee.org.uk

Hello there👋

Do you long to talk to someone who really 'gets it', who doesn't just listen but truly hears your experiences?

Do you wish you could share your unique reality with somebody who respects your perspective and sees things through your eyes? 

Can you imagine having the opportunity to feel comfortable and relaxed, to be yourself, share your thoughts and difficulties and not feel judged?

... that's what I offer at Just Bee counselling:

🐝 because you need to be heard

🐝 because you want to be understood

🐝 because you deserve to be valued 

Just Bee is here to help you navigate the world on your own terms, whether that be sensory overload, social communication challenges, or any other of life's hurdles. 

Embrace your strengths and address your challenges.

My name is Lis and I’m a person-centred, neurodiversity and disability affirming counsellor based in York, UK. You work at your own pace, the focus is on your individual needs to enable you to find your own solutions. 

Your counselling hour offers you a sanctuary or haven where diversity of experience is recognised and I try to make the therapeutic process as accessible as possible.

You can be confident I work professionally and ethically because I am a registered member of the BACP and I have been supporting people to make changes in their lives since 2016.

I am also proud to be a member of the amazing counselling team at Kyra Women's Project www.kyra.org.uk a unique, independent charity in York city centre.

Making the right choice

Choosing the right therapist is important and people often find it hard to decide by just reading a profile. 

One way to find out if I am a good match for you is to talk to me… people say I'm a good listener and easy to talk to, I certainly don't bite.

It can be a good idea to take time to reflect and make a list of questions beforehand.

Afterwards, you will have lots more information and it will be so much easier to choose. 

I look forward to talking to you.

Here's how it goes:

A: Book a discovery call  

You can do this at https://justbee.org.uk/booking-form/ 

or just email, text or phone me

A discovery call is when you talk to me on the phone and get to know me, so that you can decide if you want us to work together. 

If not, that is absolutely fine, no pressure. I will signpost you to other services if appropriate.

If you do want to work with me, then you will have already taken the first step. 

B: Choose where you'd like to do your therapy:

• face to face in the Just Bee snug and cosy room at Copmanthorpe Lane, Bishopthorpe, York; its quiet and private, parking is easy, or there’s a regular bus service. If you cycle or walk, I'm on the Solar System Greenway. I especially welcome those who are neurodivergent or have physical challenges. If you need any adjustments to be comfortable and relaxed, just let me know your needs and I'll do my best for you. 
• face to face in your home (+mileage costs calculated at 40p per mile)
• online on Google Meet, your video picture on or off
• phone call
• in an agreed open space, a park or nature reserve, known as 'walk and talk'. I've been using Rowntree's Park by the River Ouse in the centre of York. It has a wheelchair accessible public library/café, toilets and car park. There is a lake, lots of benches to rest, birds and squirrels to watch. This is a great option for those who feel overwhelmed in small spaces sitting opposite someone, or those who just find it easier to talk whilst moving.

C: Book your first appointment

I email you all the paperwork (contract, privacy policy) and a payment link. Payment is confirmation so there's no stress on the day. There is no minimum or maximum number of sessions but I do offer a discount if you book 4 sessions in advance.

I offer a reduced hourly rate of £30 to a proportion of my clients who are students or on income related benefits to make counselling more accessible to those who may not be able to afford the full cost of therapy.

Getting started

It's normal to feel nervous or unsure when you start something new, but I'll do my best to put you at ease and please do tell me if there is anything you'd like done differently. 

How do I know what I'm signing up for?

We will discuss and sign a written agreement so you know what to expect from counselling and so you can make an informed choice. It sets out your rights and responsibilities, including fees and confidentiality. You will also get a copy of my privacy policy as I will need to collect some information about you.

How it works

Together we can explore your preferences and you can tell me what is troubling you. You might want to talk about your feelings and emotional experiences, recent or past, discover your core values and identify your needs, create goals for therapy, focus on improving self-care and self-esteem, work on making better decisions, or maybe improving communication skills.

Or you may just want to talk and be heard. That's OK too.

You choose your direction but the process means that you can start to become a person who can achieve what they want in life.

I have things like a sand tray, values, emotions and character strengths cards, Russian Dolls, drawing materials. These can help you to express feelings and clarify thoughts without using words. They sometimes also bring into awareness an understanding or realisation that has been previously been hidden from you.

I can use some CBT tools if they are relevant and I am a Breathworks Mindfulness Champion so I can offer some mindfulness techniques, if appropriate.

I believe that it is good to get help sooner rather than later. 

Counselling is not just for mental health problems, its a positive choice to support your wellbeing.

“Therapy isn’t a cure in and of itself. It’s just an arena where healing can take place: it’s a place where we can learn to better manage our feelings for ourselves. It’s not something that someone else does for us”  

Carolyn Spring, author, trainer, and trauma survivor