Lisa Wastney – Professional Counsellor

Yoga and mindfulness have been part of my life for many years, helping me stay grounded, present and connected to what matters. These practices remind me to pause, breathe and return to what matters when life feels overwhelming or uncertain.

I bring this same grounded, compassionate presence into my work with you — creating a calm, steady space where you can explore your inner world without pressure or judgement.

Outside of therapy, I value time in nature, slow mornings and the small rituals that help me feel centred. These personal practices shape the way I show up in the therapy room: warm, attentive and fully present.

I work with adults experiencing anxiety, low mood, overwhelm, stress, loss, grief, self‑criticism, relationship difficulties, burnout and life transitions. I also support people who feel stuck, disconnected or unsure of who they are or what they need.

Alongside this, I have experience working with unpaid carers, people living with chronic health conditions, individuals affected by homelessness or housing instability, and those carrying the impact of difficult early experiences or trauma.

Clients often come to me when they’re struggling to cope, feeling lost or exhausted, or wanting to understand themselves more deeply. Whether you’re dealing with long‑term emotional patterns or a recent change in your life, therapy can offer a space to reflect, heal and move forward in a way that feels right for you.

If you’d like to explore working together, you can find more details on my website - https://www.therapywithlisawastney.com

I have a BA (Hons) in Counselling and am both BACP registered and NCPS accredited. My core training is in person‑centred therapy, and I have additional training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These approaches give me a strong foundation in both relational, human‑centred work and evidence‑based psychological support.

My professional experience includes working within NHS Talking Therapies, supporting adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, and the emotional impact of difficult life events. Alongside this, I have worked with people facing homelessness, housing instability, and those navigating the challenges of being an unpaid carer.

I also have a background as a social prescriber, where I supported individuals living with chronic health conditions, long‑term stress, isolation, and complex life pressures. These roles have given me a deep understanding of how emotional wellbeing is shaped by health, relationships, environment and life circumstances.

Across all of my work, I’ve supported people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, and I bring this breadth of understanding into my counselling practice. My aim is to offer a steady, compassionate presence and a professional space where you can explore your experiences safely and at your own pace.

The first step is an introductory call, where we can talk about what’s bringing you to therapy, what you’re hoping for, and whether working together feels like a good fit. It’s a gentle, no‑pressure space to ask questions and get a sense of how I work before deciding on ongoing sessions.

My approach is rooted in person‑centred therapy, which means our work is led by you — your pace, your experiences and what feels important to explore. I offer a calm, compassionate space where you can speak freely, feel heard and make sense of what’s going on for you without judgement or pressure. The relationship we build together is central to the work, and I aim to create a space where you feel safe enough to bring your whole self.

I also draw on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidence‑based approach that supports you in noticing your thoughts and feelings with more gentleness and less struggle. ACT helps you understand what truly matters to you — your values — and begin moving toward a life that feels more meaningful, even in the presence of difficult emotions.

In our sessions, you can expect a collaborative, grounding environment where we explore your inner world together. I won’t tell you what to do or offer quick fixes; instead, we work side by side to understand your experiences, reduce the weight of emotional overwhelm and help you develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself. My aim is to support you in finding clarity, resilience and a way forward that feels aligned with who you are.