Healing and Restoration one step at a time
Counselling and psychotherapy for anxiety, depression, stress and trauma. Supporting adults in Leeds, West Yorkshire, in person and online
Counselling, Psychotherapy and Mental Health Services
Welcome, my name is Elaine and I am a counsellor & psychotherapist. I provide both short and long-term therapy sessions to adults in Leeds, West Yorkshire and beyond. I also offer counselling online and by telephone.
My journey into supporting people with mental health challenges started when I was employed by the NHS at 19. Having experienced childhood challenges, personal loss, and life difficulties, this provided insight into the rollercoaster of emotions and difficulties life events often precipitate. Working casually as a support worker alongside a full-time role gave an unexpected reward and led me to embark on mental health nurse training and a significant career in various mental health roles. I have worked with children, young people, working aged adults, and older people. Further training and a BACP qualification as a counsellor and psychotherapist fulfilled a long-held goal and provided the richest fulfilment. My approach is a relational integrative one that attunes to your style of thinking and processing.
Issues I can help with
People come to me for help with a wide range of issues. Here are a few of the more common difficulties that can be supported through therapy:
Relationship with self and others
Anger management
Grief, loss or bereavement
Difficulties at work or in retirement
Abuse
Panic attacks
Problems with confidence or self-esteem
Problems with family life
Trauma and post-traumatic stress
Depression
Feelings of stress or anxiety
What I Offer in Pysychotherapy and Counselling
I offer a warm, safe and non-judgemental space to discuss and explore your concerns by starting a new therapeutic relationship, which is accepting, appropriately open, and challenging. I aim to foster growth within this relationship to empower and engender hope and stability. My work is culturally sensitive and I welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds who may not have necessarily considered counselling as an option in the past.
My core belief is that you are important, your life is significant and valuable at whatever stage of life or circumstance you are. As a practising Christian I can discuss aspects of faith if this is important to you; however, I do not offer pastoral care. I work with individuals who are experiencing low self-esteem; anxiety, depression, work-related stress, bereavement; loss; interpersonal and relationship difficulties.
Confidentiality
A safe space to express freely whatever your concerns without judgement and with positive regard.
Consistency
A reliable and steady presence, attuning to your concerns and facilitating expressions of emotions
Compassion
Acknowledging and validating your experience, exploring your emotions and language to express your concerns, while gaining insights into the impact of your experiences.
Professional Mental Health Services
for Individuals and Groups
Mental Health Assessment
Mental Health Awareness Workshops
Mental Health Group Forums
Get in touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between counselling and therapy?
Counselling is generally short-term and focuses on specific issues or life challenges, such as stress management, relationship problems, or grief. It aims to provide practical solutions and support for immediate concerns. Counselling usually lasts for a few weeks to a few months, depending on the nature of the issue being addressed. It is often goal-oriented and structured. Psychotherapy, on the other hand, is a longer-term process that explores deeper psychological issues, including past traumas, emotional difficulties, and chronic mental health conditions. It seeks to bring about long-lasting change by addressing underlying emotional conflicts. Psychotherapy can extend over months or even years, as it involves a more in-depth exploration of the individual's psyche and emotional patterns. Counselling and therapy are often used interchangeably.
How long will I need to have counselling?
This varies from person to person and will depend on a number of factors, such as the difficulties to be discussed and your readiness to explore the issues. The number of sessions can range from a fixed number to open ended depending on your concerns. We discuss this at our initial meeting.
How long will I have to wait for an appointment?
My aim is to offer an initial 15 minute consultation to answer any questions you may have within 1-2 weeks. We would discuss the number of sessions and your preferred day and time. If you wish to still go ahead we can arrange the first session.
Will everything I say be kept confidential?
My work with you is confidential, however as part of the BACP code of practice I am required to engage in regular clinical supervision where I discuss my work with you. Your contact information and any notes are kept in accordance with the Data Protection Act (1998) and GDPR 2018. Confidentiality may be breached if I consider there is a significant risk you may harm yourself or others. In such exceptional circumstances, it may be necessary to seek help outside the therapeutic relationship and I would usually discuss this with you. In the case of a disclosure concerning acts of terrorism, vulnerable adult or child protection issues, confidentiality will be breached, and such disclosures will be passed onto the relevant authority.
Can I bring a friend or relative with me?
Although you may feel anxious about attending alone, I aim to facilitate a warm and supportive therapeutic alliance and doing so could be harmed with someone else present. For this reason, I do not accommodate accompanying persons. If the session is online I encourage you to find a private space where you cannot be overheard or interrupted.
What if I get upset?
This can be worrying for some people but it is not unusual when discussing difficulties and I have significant experience in dealing with people who are upset or distressed.
What if I cannot attend a session?
This is understandable as unexpected things do happen. I will discuss with you what will happen going forward, however usually 48 hours advanced notice is required for any cancellation.
How long are the sessions?
The sessions are 50 minutes long
What if I want to end before the number of sessions have finished
Therapeutic work can at times be demanding, frustrating, and emotional. You may at times find this process challenging and feel the need to end therapy. Your feedback on the process is sought regularly throughout, to promote insight into the progress of the work. If you feel unhappy with any aspects of the process, please do try and communicate this verbally to promote a greater understanding. You may however terminate therapy without further cost at any time you wish, giving 48 hours’ notice to cancel any previously planned sessions.
My location
I offer in-person sessions in Leeds, West Yorkshire.
In addition to face-to-face sessions, I also offer online counselling via Zoom or Team for clients in the surrounding areas and beyond. Contact me if you would like to find out more about how online therapy works.
Session Information
I offer a free initial 15-minute introduction for us to meet and decide if we would like to work together.
The usual sessions are 50 minutes long.
They are in-person, online or by telephone.
You may not know it, but you’ve already taken the first step...
It can be scary and confusing making the decision to contact a counsellor or therapist, but in my experience people will struggle with a mental health issue, a personal crisis or problems with a relationship for much longer than is healthy. Sometimes a friend has proved a source of comfort, but this help can only go so far. Realising that resolving a problem requires something more means you have actually already taken the first step towards improving your life.
©Restorative Psychotherapeutic Counselling & Mental Health Service
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