Areas of SpecialityAnything which is troubling you can be a focus for counselling, but here are some examples of issues which counselling can help address:
- Relationships
- Bereavement and loss
- Depression
- Stress and anxiety
- Phobias
- Obsessive or compulsive behaviour
- Low Self-Esteem
- Sex and sexuality
- Cultural issues
- Family issues
- Alcohol/drug problems
- Work related issues
- Life transitions e.g. redundancy
I have experience of working with all of the above areas and have particular expertise in working with alcohol issues.
If you would like to know more about how I can help you, please contact me on 07751 090060 for further information or to make an appointment. If I am unavailable, please leave a message and I will return your call as soon as possible. Alternatively you can email me at chris@chrislewiscounselling.co.uk.
What to ExpectThrough counselling, I can offer you a safe, confidential and supportive environment, where you can talk over any difficult issues and explore the areas of your life you would like to change. This may take a few weeks, or may involve longer term therapy.
Counselling can help you to understand yourself and your relationships with those around you better. It can help you to make informed choices or decisions, come to terms with your situation or find better ways of coping. I have the skills to guide you in gaining a greater understanding of your life. I will not judge you, be shocked by what you have to say, or impose solutions on you.
Our first session together will be an assessment to find out about the issues you would like to explore, something of your personal history and for both of us to see if we can work together. You are under no obligation to continue beyond the first appointment.
If we do agree to work together, I will offer you an informal contract, which explains the timings of sessions and what happens in the event of cancellations or missed sessions. Usually I would meet you for a 50 minute session each week. The sessions can continue for as long as they are needed and we will discuss your progress and a suitable ending date over time.
What actually happens in the session?In the session we will talk about issues affecting you in the present and also explore your past and present relationships. To help you explore your thoughts and feelings, I will listen, respond and sometimes challenge you. If it suits your needs, we may also do more creative activities using actions and voice or explore your thoughts and feelings through drawing or writing.
The counselling process can sometimes be painful or feel like hard work, but people often find this does lead to improvements in their day-to-day life and a greater sense of well-being.
About therapy I offer both focused, time-limited work on particular issues (often referred to as counselling) as well as psychotherapy, which is a more open-ended journey of exploration into the past and present.
My approach is integrative, which means I use a variety of counselling and psychotherapy models to find a way of working which suits your needs. These might include humanistic (person centred, existential and gestalt), transcultural, psychodynamic theory (such as attachment theory) and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). However, research shows that the quality of the relationship between a client and therapist is more important than the theoretical approach used.
I believe that human beings become who they are through their changing relationships with other people, as well as a range of social, cultural and environmental influences. For this reason, in sessions we may focus on your current experiences and relationships and, if relevant, explore how these may relate to your previous experiences and relationships. At times we might explore the experiences that may emerge within the therapeutic relationship too.
About MeI am a qualified counsellor and have been practising as an integrative counsellor since 2007. I currently have a private practice in London N15 and I also work within an NHS community psychotherapy team. I have also worked previously in education and research.
My recent work includes one to one work with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and ages dealing with a broad range of issues. I have also worked with people and with a range of specific client groups, including young people, people affected by alcohol issues, victims of crime, and older people.
I have a Postgraduate Diploma in Integrative Counselling from London Metropolitan University and I have also taken part in continuing professional development to develop my skills around a range of issues e.g. substance misuse, anger, working with couples.
I am a member of the BACP, the professional and regulatory body for counsellors and psychotherapists and work within their ethical framework and guidelines for good practice.
My Packages & PricesEach 50 minute session costs £40. Some concessionary places are available. Fees are payable by cash or cheque either at the end of each session or a month in advance.
Opening Hours / Available DaysI generally work in my private practice on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays but other times may be available on request.
To arrange an initial appointment, please call me at any time on 07751 090060 or email me at chris@chrislewiscounselling.co.uk. If I am unavailable, please leave a message and I will return your call as soon as possible.
How to find meMy main counselling practice is based in Keston Road, London N17.
Getting There:
Underground and trains - Seven Sisters station.
Buses - 41, 230, 241, Phillip Lane stop
Parking - There is usually roadside parking available in
Keston Road and meter parking available in nearby streets.
To see a map of where my practice please see the link below or visit my website.
Home visits may be possible under some circumstances.
