Welcome

We may all, at times, feel confused when encountering challenging situations, and experience painful emotions. In some instances, we are not able to understand and resolve them ourselves, or through the resources available to us. Talking through what is happening for you and having your feelings validated in a safe, non-judgemental atmosphere with a trained professional can be immensely helpful.

My role as a counsellor is to offer a confidential space in which you and I can think together about whatever is troubling you. My aim is not to offer you a ready-made solution; rather it is to support you in your exploration, through dialogue and reflection, to reach greater insight into your situation and develop your inner resources to handle life's trials. I cannot unlock doors for you, but I may be able to assist you in finding the right key.

I firmly believe that, no matter what obstacles life throws in our way, each and every one of us has in reserve the capacity to overcome those challenges and to experience the renewed pleasure of feeling in charge of our lives.

If this sounds like the support you are looking for, then please don't hesitate to get in touch.

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About Me

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About Me

My name is Anna Mastorakou, and I am a qualified counsellor, working in Lancaster. I have been working therapeutically with adults for the last 12 years, I have worked in different settings including GP surgeries, student support services, addiction services, LGBTQ+ counselling agencies and agencies aimed specifically at sexual violence. I initially trained and worked as a psychologist before qualifying at Edinburgh University as a counsellor in 2012.

My work as a therapist is based on the belief that change is possible. I am passionate about giving people a space where they are heard, valued and understood, and assisting them to find the strength to overcome their difficulties so as to lead fulfilling lives. I feel it to be an honour to be a part of this journey of change.

I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP), receive regular supervision and am fully insured for the work that I do.

Counselling

People come to see me for many different reasons. They may be struggling with their relationships, at home or at work, or they may be feeling anxious, sad, angry, or vulnerable. Painful and difficult feelings may have arisen as a response to a recent loss, change or an emotional crisis, but they could also be underlying and deeply rooted.

I offer a confidential, calm and reflective space where together we can make sense of the feelings and thoughts that trouble or concern you. It's a time and place away from the pressures of everyday life, a place where you can be yourself, find yourself. Being heard and understood, thinking about feelings which may be too difficult to face alone, can be an empowering experience that frees you to connect more deeply with yourself and with others.

Whether you are in crisis, stuck in a painful relationship or struggling with emotional difficulties that won't go away, therapy can help you understand yourself in a rich and deep way so that you can better face the challenges that life inevitably brings.

My approach

I practice from a psychodynamic perspective. This means that we will work together to get to the heart of what is troubling you. We will look at what is going on for you in the light of the present and also the past.

Some of the feelings, thoughts and experiences that you struggle with today may clearly be connected to the situations or relationships you find yourself in, but others may spring from an inner world of forgotten feelings or unresolved experiences that influence the way you think and feel today.

As we reflect together, on whatever is on your mind, we can start to understand how underlying emotional conflicts impact on you and your relationships. The insights gained can be profound, freeing you to resolve your difficulties and find fresh ways of approaching life..

Practical information and fees

It is not unusual to feel unsure about starting therapy. I understand this and am trained to help you with this decision. If you have not had counselling before, you may be uncertain about what to expect.

In a first session, which carries no obligation, I would spend an hour with you exploring what is troubling you at the moment, identify the issues you feel you would like my help with, and decide together whether we can work together. I charge for the first session only if we decide to work together.

If we agree to proceed with counselling, we will find a regular weekly time for your sessions.

I charge £70 per therapy session. Also, I offer a limited number of concessionary spaces. Please do call or email. We can then have a brief talk by phone and arrange an initial consultation.

Short or long-term support

Some individuals, especially if they are dealing with a very specific issue, may find that a relatively short course of counselling is sufficient for their needs. I am able to offer short term counselling (6-12 sessions) which can be effective in dealing with recent onset difficulties such as bereavement, relationship breakdown or redundancy.

Others may find that they need longer term support. I offer open-ended therapy which means that we won't agree on a limited number of sessions at the beginning. of therapy. We will continue working together until we come to a point when you feel ready to move on without therapy.

Most people find that simply being able to talk about their difficulties with someone who can listen in a safe, non-judgemental, confidential way, is helpful even from the start in enabling them to feel supported but also in beginning to identify areas for growth and change.

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