Creating Calm - with Lucy | Counselling Dawlish and surrounding area

devon counselling calm landscape creative

As an integrative counsellor and holistic well-being therapist, I tailor sessions to meet each client's unique needs. My client-centered therapy approach provides a calm and safe space in which I support clients in recognising their emotional needs and encourage their autonomy in exploring how they meet the world while navigating obstacles that prevent growth in achieving goals and desires.

Areas of special interest

I have a deep interest in neurodiversity, ongoing health conditions, and the complexities of nervous system dysregulation. These areas resonate with me both through my own experiences and the knowledge I’ve gained. I understand how challenging they can be, and I'm dedicated to exploring them with compassion, empathy, and non-judgment.

Chronic & on-going health conditions

Drawing from my personal experience of navigating life with an autoimmune condition and the trauma it brings, I have a deep understanding of the challenges my clients face. It is incredibly important to me that my clients feel truly heard and validated in their experiences. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where they can share their stories, whether related to medical trauma, struggles with self-perception, or other difficulties. My goal is to help clients gain clarity, understand their thoughts and beliefs, and learn techniques to soothe their nervous systems, ultimately enabling them to make positive changes and restore balance in their lives.

Neurodiversity

As a proud mother in a neurodiverse family, I strive to raise awareness and support my neurodivergent community.

Navigating life with a new diagnosis, parenting a neurodivergent child, or being in a relationship with a neurodivergent partner can be challenging. Each journey is unique, and I offer understanding and empathy along the way.

I help clients understand how their diagnosis influences their identity and daily lives, sharing techniques to regulate the nervous system and tools to simplify everyday tasks. Psychoeducation is essential for fostering self-awareness and acceptance. Supporting clients in navigating their experiences through their unique perspectives is something I am passionate about.

Nervous System Regulation

When the nervous system is dysregulated due to stress, trauma, chronic illness, neurodiversity, or other life challenges, it can lead to anxiety, persistent worry, trouble sleeping, and other distressing responses, all stored in our bodies.

Our lives come with a constant ebb and flow of experiences that can be tough to navigate. The nervous system does its best to adjust to the demands of each situation, yet this can be challenging when dealing with dysregulation.

Maintaining the health of our nervous system is essential for supporting mental and physical well-being, and is vital to the healing journey. Dysregulation makes it difficult to regain balance, compassionate strategies and therapeutic approaches help us ride the waves of activation and return to a place of calm.

Who I work with

Life's ups and downs

Navigating the complexities of daily life can be incredibly challenging, especially with its fast pace and the weight of various life experiences. Relationship troubles, family dynamics, loss, grief, and work-related worries can all feel overwhelming at times. It's completely understandable to experience anxiety, depression, panic attacks, self-doubt, and low self-confidence in the face of these struggles. Remember, you're not alone in feeling this way, and it's important to reach out for support when needed.

Mum's/ Parents

I understand that motherhood/ parenting comes with its unique challenges, no matter where you are on your journey. I’m here to support you as we navigate both the highs and lows together, helping you discover ways to feel more fulfilled and at peace. You're not alone in this journey.

Carers & Families

Caring for a loved one—whether it's your partner, parent, relative, or child with additional needs—can often come as an unexpected challenge. Many caregivers find themselves in this role without warning, and without the right support, it can feel isolating and overwhelming. The weight of these new responsibilities can truly transform your life in significant ways.

I understand that finding time for yourself can be challenging. Our sessions last for one hour and can be held in-person in my cozy therapy room or online through platforms like Teams or Google Meet. Online sessions offer a flexible option for those dealing with time or travel constraints, while face-to-face meetings allow for a more creative approach.

Each session costs £45, and I kindly ask for payment in advance via BACS.

Life can sometimes throw unexpected challenges our way. If you need to cancel a session, please let me know as soon as possible so I can accommodate your needs. Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice will incur the full session fee, but I appreciate your understanding. Your well-being is my priority, and I'm here to support you in any way I can.

Hi there, I'm Lucy

Stanley xxx

Welcome to my space! I’m so glad you’re here!

My journey into counselling started from a deep passion for helping others, combined with my own life experiences. After working in education with young people who have special educational needs (SEN) and mental health challenges, I decided to become a counsellor. As a busy mum in a neurodivergent family, I truly understand the rollercoaster of life. It can sometimes feel like navigating a choppy sea, where each wave tries to pull us off course, away from who we really are.

To find my own balance, I love spending time in nature, whether I’m strolling through the woods or enjoying a beach day with our playful pup, Stanley. I believe that finding balance is key in holistic counselling because it acknowledges how our mind, body, and spirit are all connected. When one part is out of alignment, it can affect the others.

In my practice, I’m here to welcome you just as you are. I strive to create a warm and supportive environment where you can rediscover your true self and find some calm in life’s busy moments. I’m a qualified and accredited member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), and I strictly adhere to their Code of Ethics. This register has been accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (Accredited member number NCS22-03008).

Let’s take this journey together

A bit about me

My Approach

As an integrative counsellor, my goal is to create a safe and supportive space where we can work together to address your unique needs. I draw upon a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Gestalt therapy, person-centered therapy, body process, inner child work, transactional analysis, Polyvagal theory, attachment theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT). This allows us to tailor our approach specifically for you.

I truly believe in the power of creativity and how it can serve as a gentle outlet for expressing feelings that may be difficult to convey in words. Whether it’s through drawing, painting, sculpting, writing, sand play, or spending time in nature, these activities can provide a comforting way to communicate and explore emotions. Many clients find that these creative processes help them access their subconscious and uncover deeper insights that can be so enlightening.

Engaging in creative activities can activate different parts of the brain, making it easier to process emotions, understand relationship dynamics, and gain a richer understanding of yourself.

In addition to this creative approach, I also incorporate holistic techniques that nurture mind, body, and spirit. By integrating essential oils, healing crystals, breathwork, mindfulness, somatic healing, and nature, I aim to complement the healing journey by creating a path that honors each individual's desires and needs.

My Approach