Rate Luisa Prosser

I am a BACP accredited Counsellor in the UK with 15 years of professional work experience working mainly with children, teens and young adults. I have worked with young people who have presented with a variety of issues, from difficult friendships and relationships, to anxiety, low mood, depression and stress. I have also worked with young people who have been diagnosed with ADHD, autism and other SEN needs which often impact on their self-esteem and confidence. I have helped them to gain a better understanding of the diagnoses, recognise strengths, and overcome obstacles that might come in the way of their studies and future choices. I have worked with young people who are afraid and confused about the future and what they want to do in life, helping them to form a strong self-identity. I worked with young people who are not sure about their sexuality, gender identity and want a private space to reflect on this and how to take the next steps. I worked with young people who have a hard time at school, because of bullying of simply feeling misunderstood by others. I worked with young people who come from difficult family circumstances, and have experienced parental conflict, separation, loss or trauma. Most importantly I have helped and would like to continue to support young people finding their unique and strong voice and their space in this world.

I also bring experience supporting adults with anxiety, depression and relationship issues, and parents who experience difficulties in relationships, parenting, conflict, stress, anxiety and loss.

My training background is in psychodynamic and person-centred counselling, but I have incorporated over the years, CBT, art therapy and mindfulness techniques. It can be difficult and even frightening to reach out to someone and asking for help, especially a stranger. This is understandable. This is why my focus is to develop a trustful and safe relationships with my young and adults clients first, listening out for your hopes and fears, and work collaboratively to identify what can be achieved by counselling. I do this by providing a space where you can feel listened and understood with sensitivity, empathy and non-judgement. Even though I may not have had the same experiences as you, or come from a different cultural background, I will walk side by side with you and treat you with uniqueness, honesty and respect, making sure that no-harm comes to you. These are fundamental ingredients to build a trustful relationship, and in accordance to BACP, the counselling body that regulates my work, but also aligned to my core values and how I live my life each day.

I will not be able to fix your problems. Counselling cannot do that, but I will work with you to gain a better understanding of what might be happening, internally and externally, identify what can be achieved by counselling and review regularly to assess how the sessions are helpful. I will help you to understand the nature of the presenting issues, the obstacles that come in the way to fulfil a healthy, happy and balanced life and making healthy connections with others.