About The Poetic Counsellor
I know how challenging it can be to consider counselling and then finding a counsellor that you can connect with. I have been there!
I would like to see mental health being treated the same way as physical health, with the reduction of stigma and taboos.
I offer what is called ‘Person Centred Counselling'. This means that I believe that we are the experts in the issues we are experiencing and our own lives. The counselling process is not to diagnose or tell you what you should do, but to help you become more aware of your own emotions and feelings. Counselling helps you to understand yourself better and to be your best and more authentic self.
I offer the option of working creatively, so you can bring your art, poetry, written stories or objects. I will encourage you to talk about how your objects make you feel, how they affect you and what memories they stir up.
Not everyone chooses to express themselves in a creative way and that’s perfectly fine. I can definitely support you and help you to express yourself if art isn’t your thing!
As a poet, I have experienced the power of using art to express myself. Here’s a poem I wrote when I first started my studies to become a counsellor.
My Feelings
My feelings are so deep, deep undercover
That even a top detective company will have problems finding them
They sometimes come out of hiding
And are at risk of being caught
But somehow, they always get away undetected
My feelings are locked deep away
I think, I may have lost the keys
Because even when I want to show them
I have problems finding them
You can tell me a really sad story
And I can appear unmoved
That’s because, I probably really am unmoved
My feelings don’t allow me to show any emotion
Can someone help me find my feelings?
I really think it is time they returned
I really, really miss them
I know my life will start to improve once they return
I suddenly feel a loss
Could this be a little tear?
From my eyes
Wow! I think my feelings are trying to find their way home
I will try to be brave and secure myself,
With the door open
Please don’t all rush in together,
Or I may feel overwhelmed
© Lydia Nightingale
The Poetic Counsellor
My Qualifications
I have ten years of counselling experience. I specialise in relationships, bereavement and work-related issues.
Person Centred Counselling (Dip)
Person Centred Counselling (BA (Hons))
Couple counselling Practitioner
Group facilitation
My Experience
I have been counselling for over ten years. I specialise in relationships, bereavement and work-related issues.
2011-2012
Counsellor
The Metanoia Institute
2012-2014
Counsellor
Bereavement Support
2013-2019
Counsellor
Woman’s Trust
2020- Currently
Private Pratice
Counselling Therapist