Kirsty Lawrenson

I have some availability to accept new clients - please get in touch for availability or a free, no obligation chat.

Hi and thank you for visiting my profile page.

Finding the right therapist can be daunting and it can feel stressful to reach out for support and take that first step. Therapy works best when there is a strong therapeutic alliance and trust in both the therapeutic model and therapist. That is what I aim to provide when you choose to share your story with me.

I work as an integrative therapist which means I can use a variety of models and a range of techniques to suit your needs. I work with individuals, not diagnoses or labels so whatever is troubling you, I offer a safe compassionate space. Everyone needs something different, so we will work together to explore what you want from therapy and how to achieve it.

I have not always been a therapist and come from a varied background. I am a former police officer, teacher, founder and CEO which means I have experienced many different problems and issues along the way. I re-trained as a therapist to help people, studying for a MSc in Psychology as well as qualifying with a Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling and a Post Graduate qualification in CBT. I am professionally registered with the British Psychological Society, the BACP and the BABCP to reassure you that I work to the highest standards and values.

I have lots of experience in working with victims of all types of crime. I am also experienced in working with relationships issues, anxiety and trauma. I work with adults and adolescents 16+.

No issue is too small. I believe preventing mental health becoming worse is just as important as treating it. You will find me to be an empathetic, goal orientated therapist, that cares about listening to your problems and supporting you to get where you want to be.

I am an Integrative Therapist, qualified in both Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Psychotherapeutic Counselling. 

I work online or in person from Jesmond NE2 where the atmosphere is warm, friendly and private. A 5-minute walk from the metro or with 2-hour free parking in the adjacent street.

In CBT, I have experience working with anxiety including:

• social anxiety

• general anxiety

• agoraphobia

• OCD

• panic attacks

• PTSD

• BDD

• Eating problems

In counselling, common issues I work with are:

• relationship issues of all kinds

• anticipated grief or bereavement

• domestic abuse

• childhood and developmental trauma

• excessive worry

• stress

• burnout

• low mood or self-esteem

• depression

• excessive worry or feeling overwhelmed

• victims of crime

ACT  

ACT is a type of mindful psychotherapy that can help you stay focused on the present moment and learn to accept any negative or existential thoughts or feelings without judgment. It aims to help you move forward through difficult emotions so you can put your energy into a more positive future instead of dwelling on the negatives. This can help to ease stress and anxiety or support decision making.

I offer a no obligation, free initial telephone conversation for you to meet me and give you a chance to ask any questions before deciding to try therapy. I know how important it is to find the right person.

In our first session, I listen and gain an understanding of what has brought you to therapy and we explore what you are hoping to achieve. We can discuss the type of therapy model that suits you and any of your short and long term goals. We can then make a plan for frequency and duration of sessions depending on your circumstances. Sessions are typically 50 minutes long and can be face to face or online.

I will also gather some information about your background, history and experiences to help me understand what you are currently experiencing. You will get a welcome pack from Therapy North which includes information on our policies, professional membership, confidentiality agreement and our therapy agreement.