Lorraine Cookson

I help people to feel better through knowing themselves more deeply.

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Vegan Psychotherapist in Essex

I help people to feel better through knowing themselves more deeply.

I specialise in working with neurodivergent clients and their loved ones; clients who have experienced traumas and difficulties; and clients who are feeling unfulfilled, lost and stuck in their lives. You may read that list and not be sure if you really fit into any of those. Perhaps as you read them you thought ‘my childhood wasn’t that bad’; ‘trauma is too strong a word’; ‘I have felt lost and out of place my whole life, but I don’t have ADHD or Autism’.

In my 11 years of working with therapy clients and the 7 years I worked in mental health before that, this must be the most common thing I have heard – people reducing, minimising or even qualifying the difficult experiences they have had. Fear not, I am not looking to blame your parents! They may have genuinely done the best they could, but it doesn’t mean that you got what you needed. Therapy is the place to work through this and any other difficult or conflicting feelings you may have.

I am also passionate about seeing the strengths in my clients and reducing the medicalisation and stigmatisation that you may have already encountered. Therapy is a non-judgemental place and I believe whole heartedly in that. We exist within our context and if you are struggling with a world that is not designed for or supportive of you, I’m not here to tell you to ‘simply try harder’. Wouldn’t it be great if that’s ‘all’ that was needed. It’s just not true. I know how hard you are already trying.

So, if you have hobbies or beliefs that are a bit out there and others have shamed you for it, that will not happen here.

If you want to tell me that the patriarchy is crushing your gentle spirit, I hear you.
If you need to express that you’re exhausted with worry for the state of the planet, I get it.
If you want to explore or use your spiritual beliefs to support your wellbeing, I’m in.
If you need me to get that your cultural, gender, or sexual identity impacts how others see or treat you, I’m there.

I know life can be so much more for you and I am all in on helping you realise that reality. I can’t tell you that this journey will be easy and there may well be tears along the way, but I can also tell you that there will be laughter (it is truly the best medicine) and support and appreciation and respect. Invest in yourself now and it will pay off.

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Counselling I offer …

Counselling is for everyone that wants to understand themselves more and feel better. Counselling is so helpful for working through deep painful traumas; learning to cope with the stressful every days; and building towards self-actualisation.

There are so many types of therapy, and my core modality is Integral Training. I specifically chose Integral Therapy as I really liked the emphasis on using different therapies for different issues. I passionately believe that there is not ‘one’ right way for all and that’s why I bring different types of therapy and interventions to my work. I also know how crucial context is for counselling work. This context encompasses so much, such as generational trauma; eco concerns; experiences of everyday or specific instances of sexism/ racism/ homophobia/ transphobia/ ableism. When context isn’t considered or addressed, therapists can actually miss the client’s nuanced experience and needs.

Online Individual Sessions

I offer individual sessions for anyone age 11+ via Zoom, WhatsApp, FaceTime. These are secure platforms that I have been using since 2017 when I trained as a Certified Cyber Therapist. We can use these platforms with or without video, whatever makes you feel most comfortable.

I work with clients from all over the UK, Europe and Australia. If you are outside of these regions please do contact me and we can discuss if I am able to support your journey.

Sessions are 50 minutes in length, and I really like working in a flexible way. We don’t have to have a session every week and I don’t often offer sessions at the same time every week. My clients often return for a one off or a few sessions because they appreciate having that safe knowing place to return to. I am always so humbled and delighted to offer that place.