Liz Whiteley Counselling & Psychotherapy
Accessible therapy for all.
offering online therapy Privately or NHS through a Disability Plus
About Liz Whiteley Counselling & Psychotherapy
Philosophy
At Liz Whiteley Counselling and Psychotherapy, I firmly believe that every individual possesses the inherent capacity for growth and meaningful change. My mission is to create a welcoming and secure environment where clients feel comfortable and supported as they delve into their inner thoughts and emotions. I aim to assist them in identifying and addressing the personal challenges they face, whether those stem from past experiences, current struggles, or future uncertainties.
Through compassionate listening and tailored therapeutic approaches, I encourage clients to explore their feelings, beliefs, and behaviours. Together, we will work toward fostering resilience, enhancing self-awareness, and ultimately empowering individuals to develop the skills and strategies needed to thrive in their personal lives.
What is Trauma therapy?
Trauma is a heavy term shaped by personal experiences, leaving invisible scars that can last long after the event. Its effects vary from person to person and can result from a single distressing incident or ongoing adversity. Experiencing trauma does not indicate weakness; it highlights human vulnerability and resilience. Navigating trauma often involves significant pain, making it essential to foster an environment of compassion and empathy to support healing.
Understanding trauma's physical, emotional, and psychological aspects allows us to empathise and recognise individuals beyond their trauma. Acknowledging diverse responses helps create supportive settings where people feel heard and valued.
Trauma can disrupt brain development for children, leading to a constant state of alertness that affects emotions, memory, and decision-making. This can result in heightened emotional responses and difficulties with impulse control.
As a Trauma-Informed therapist, I follow five principles: safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness, and empowerment. My clients explore how their histories impact them and their bodies. Everyone can learn what they need to move forward through therapy and self-discovery. Trauma-informed therapy is for everyone.
What is Disability therapy?
“A therapeutic approach which is not exclusive to, or excluding of, your disability or long-term illness. Clients do not need to present with a disability-related issue, but they are coming knowing that their disability or long-term illness will not be ignored or denied as an impact on their lived experience during the therapeutic process.” Liz Whiteley (2023)
Disability can affect individuals at any point in their lives, creating a complex journey that impacts not only those directly involved but also their families and friends. Disability counselling is valuable for many clients, whether they have suddenly become disabled due to an accident or are living with a chronic illness, such as ME, long COVID, or fibromyalgia. It is also beneficial for those coping with a serious health condition, like cancer.
Trauma and Disability
Here are some topics we could explore during therapy:
- Trauma related to disability
- Grief and loss
- Identity exploration
- Disability and PTSD
- Internal and external ableism
- Rediscovering your abilities
- Guilt and shame associated with disability
- Disability and personal roles
- Denial of your authentic self
- Trauma and disability admin
- Disabled Hierarchy of needs
- Trauma in ageing with disability
- The impact of social norms and expectations on trauma
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testimonials from past clients
"Having never sought counselling before, I was a little unsure of what to expect but Liz immediately put me at my ease and from our first meeting I felt I was in the hands of a most compassionate, knowledgeable and skilled therapist. Liz has enabled me to resolve my issues and I am grateful for the way in which she has guided me towards recalibrating my thought process and in doing so gaining a greater understanding of myself.
I cannot recommend Liz highly enough for anyone seeking a therapist."
- Yvonne -
"I found my counselling sessions with Liz tremendously supportive, she is a great listener, warm and genuinely understanding. Liz was able to help me feel better and to move forward. Liz's understanding and knowledge of disability related issues is unique and
it made it very easy for me to speak about my worries in an understanding and safe space".
- Anonymous -
“Coming to Liz was a new experience for me, having never done anything like this before, but her friendly approachability and compassion made me feel right at ease form the very start. It made starting that journey into healing so much easier knowing an incredibly skilled & talented therapist was by my side. I would highly recommend her”.
- Heather -
"Liz was warm and friendly and put me at ease. Although I was only able to attend a short period of therapy with Liz, I found her sessions insightful, thought provoking and therapeutic as I worked through some of the obstacles I face in life.
I would recommend Liz to anyone who feels like a period of Counselling and Psychotherapy would be beneficial to them."
- Anonymous -
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