Book a Session
Meet The Chesters Team
To book a session at The Chesters Centre, please contact your chosen therapist directly.
Emma Vickers
People often come to therapy because their coping mechanisms have been depleted and life feels like it is happening to them. Therapy will help you to rediscover your agency and equip you with the tools that you need to move forward with hope and resilience.
I have worked extensively with the LGBTQIA+ community and with a wide range of clients seeking to understand themselves and their behaviour more fully.
My name is Emma and I am queer, non-binary and trans affirmative therapeutic counsellor. I offer both short and long-term counselling and therapy for adults at The Chesters Centre, as well as online. I am passionate about people and their capacity for self-reflection and change. Therapy is for everyone, and its impact can be life-changing.
Prior to working as a therapist, I worked as an oral historian and lecturer. It was that work that led me to recognise both the value of therapy and the absence of adequate mental health resources for students and staff working in higher education.
My main way of working is Transactional Analysis (TA). Eric Berne developed TA in the late 1950s. Berne believed that we all possess three ego-states: parent, adult and child. Practitioners of TA use the theory of ego states and other concepts and models (such as scripts and drivers for example) to analyse how individuals communicate with others.
I am committed to exploring the ways that people have adapted to keep themselves safe and the messages that appear during our most challenging moments. Together, we will work to understand your history and question the unhelpful messages that might be holding you back. I am solution focused and deeply interested in the power of single session therapy, an approach developed and championed by Windy Dryden.
Training, Qualifications & Experience
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Advanced Diploma Award in Therapeutic Counselling (Transactional Analysis) with SMCP, Manchester.
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Emotional Freedom Technique Level 1
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Registered Member of the BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy)
I receive regular clinical supervision and I am fully insured. I also have a current DBS certificate.
Price and Booking
£50 for 60 minutes.
Please visit my profile on Counselling Directory for more information.
Laura Malcolm-Nuttall
My name is Laura and I am a person centred integrative counsellor, life coach & mindfulness practitioner. I am a registered member with the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy.
My approach to counselling is that the client knows best and therefore I offer a listening ear, empathy and a non-judgemental environment. Confidentiality is of utmost importance within my practice. I hold a warm welcoming, safe space for my clients.
I have worked with many clients with very different issues and I feel very privileged to be able to fully engage with the process of helping people to become a healthier functioning person. I offer a free consultation of 20 minutes so that we can explore the possibility of working together.
As a person-centred therapist I have experience of working with clients in the following areas; self esteem, anxiety, depression, relationships, family dynamics, addiction, bereavement, change (click on my Counselling Directory profile below for the full list of areas I can work with).
I work with adults, young people and children. I am trained in relationship therapy so I work with couples and also family dynamics, for example parents and children.
Please do get in touch if you feel you would like to explore us working together.
Training, qualifications & experience
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Level 4 Diploma in therapeutic counselling BACP
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Life coaching diploma (Master coaching academy)
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British wheel of yoga Mindfulness Teacher Training
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BACP -Certificate of proficiency
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Level 3 in education and training
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CPD – outdoor creative therapy, solution-focused therapy, suicidal conversations, children’s mental health, post natal and perinatal wellbeing
Price and Booking
For up-to-date pricing and contact details, please visit my profile on Counselling Directory.
Lexine Alpaslan
With an extensive background of working in mental health, I have worked with problems such as depression, anxiety, personality disorders, mood disorders, trauma, and abuse. I’ve worked with those who have had circumstantial problems such as loss, relationship issues/breakdowns, long standing histories of abuse, adverse childhood experiences, isolation and complex mental health needs. No issue is too much or too overwhelming, as I believe with the right support, patience and care, solutions can be found. Through unravelling the meaning of perceived problems new strategies and new perspectives can be applied – allowing change to begin.
Training, qualifications & experience
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Masters in Psychotherapy
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Bachelors in Psychology
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Qualified Integrative Therapist
I have a background in both Person Centred and Integrative Therapy. My approach is always tailored to the individual, working with an underpinning that you have the answers within you and there are tools to bring that into reality. Trained in modalities of CBT, Gestalt, Psychodynamic, Transactional Analysis, Person Centred and other techniques. A priority in my practice is the therapist -client relationship as I believe it must be built on a foundation of trust and feeling safe.
If you would like to get in touch for a free consultation I am more than happy for to provide more information or ask any questions that relate to therapy. It is important that in a therapist-client relationship, you feel safe and heard therefore a consultation is necessary to see if we would be the right for one another.
Price and Booking
For up-to-date pricing and contact details, please visit my profile on Counselling Directory.
Emma Hesketh
I am trained in Person-Centred and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and am an integrative therapist, adapting my approach based on individual client needs. I use a range of techniques and coping strategies to address thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. By listening and understanding, I aim to empower clients to identify their own solutions and work through their challenges.
I currently work with adults aged 18 and over, offering both short-term and long-term therapy. I’m an open-minded, empathic therapist with a down-to-earth professional approach. I’m passionate about helping people improve their mental health and wellbeing, and supporting them in becoming the best version of themselves.
I understand that choosing a counsellor can be a difficult process. I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is key to successful counselling. It’s essential that you feel comfortable and safe to explore your issues in an understanding environment.
My main interests are counselling for anxiety, depression, and bereavement, and I also focus on assisting in increasing confidence and self-esteem. My experience covers a wide range of issues, including self-awareness and addressing both past and present challenges affecting your life.
I hold a degree in Advanced Studies in Early Years combined with Childhood and Youth Studies, which has provided me with transferable skills for working with adults and a deep understanding of issues affecting young people aged 18-25. My qualifications also include:
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Level 3 Counselling Skills
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Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
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Level 5 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
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Level 2 in Trauma
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Integral Eye Movement Therapy
Additionally, I have completed various Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses in areas such as bereavement, anxiety, trauma, depression, DBT skills, self sabotage and self-care to continually enhance my practice.
Together, we can explore what has brought you to therapy and decide how to move forward. I offer a free 20-minute telephone consultation to discuss the support I offer and ensure it is right for you. Once you email me your interest, I’ll get back to you within 24 hours (Mon- Friday)please remember to check your junk folder.
The assessment involves me gathering some information about you and what’s brought you to therapy.
Once the assessment is complete and we are both happy to go ahead, I will book you in for your first face to face session at a convenient time for us both.
If you are considering therapy, I invite you to reach out and start the journey towards personal growth and wellbeing.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/emma-hesketh-liverpool-eng/863378
Pawel Jedras
Stress and personal difficulties are common aspects of life that we all experience at some point. Talking freely about our problems can bring a relief and help us in finding new ways of responding to challenging situations.
How we can work together – Transactional Analysis is an effective and approachable way of working with a wide range of emotional, behavioural and psychological issues. It works by exploring our unique life story which emerged as an outcome of our past experiences, relationships and decisions. By working together to uncover unconscious patterns and enhancing your awareness, you can develop your ability to reconnect with yourself, find your own resources, improve the quality of relationships, and see things from a new perspective so you can choose a new direction.
Experience
I have experience of working with a wide range of issues, including low self-esteem, stress, depression, anxiety, relational problems, bereavement, loss and childhood trauma. I have a professional interest in transgenerational and early life trauma, cultural diversity, educational trauma, and neurodiversity. I am enthusiastic about working with people and I use Transactional Analysis and psychological knowledge to support people’s healing and growth. I offer face to face therapy as well as zoom and phone therapy in English and Polish.
Therapeutic relationship
One of the best predictors of therapeutic outcomes is the quality of the therapeutic relationship. I offer an initial 30-minute online consultation free of charge to discuss how we could work together, after which you will have time to decide if you would like to work with me and arrange another appointment and sign the treatment contract.
Background
I completed my initial training in Psychology (BSc) and I studied Addictive Behaviours (MSc) and motivation and emotion regulation (PhD Psychology). I published work related to addiction, appetite, and motivation. During my career, I was involved in clinical and neuroscientific research, including for the NHS and the World Health Organisation and I taught Applied Psychology on the University of Liverpool MSc. I use knowledge and experience gained during academic career to inform my practice. I completed diploma training in the Person-Centred counselling which operates on the humanistic beliefs, emphasising looking at the whole person, individual uniqueness, our ability to make decisions and potential for growth.
I am currently pursuing a Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Psychotherapy (specialising in TA) at the TA Training Organisation in Leeds, which is a centre of excellence for Transactional Analysis and a UKATA Registered Training Establishment.
Professional memberships
I am a member of the British Association for Psychotherapy and Counselling, a Trainee member of United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy, a student member of United Kingdom Association for Transactional Analysis and International Transactional Analysis Association. I adhere to their ethical and training standards.
Mobile: 07723 423587
Email: pjedras@protonmail.com
Sarah Laird
Hello, my name is Sarah Laird. I am a registered therapist with BACP. My main modality is Transactional Analysis (TA) and I also work with other theories such as body psychotherapy, ecotherapy, and others. I currently have a private practice where I provide face-to-face therapy both indoors and outdoors (and a combination of the two) to adult individuals in the Liverpool area.
What happens to us in our lives can sometimes disconnect us from ourselves, others, and the world: this can be a momentary experience or it can feel as if it is permanent. For me, relationship is key to restoring that connection – this is how we heal from our traumas, our suffering, our dissatisfactions. As such, I consider that establishing a therapeutic relationship is fundamental to the healing process.
Safety is a vital part of the work. If we do not feel safe enough, we cannot explore what is going on for us or reveal our true selves, so identifying and establishing cues of safety will be a big part of our work together.
I am a member of UKATA and BACP and abide by their code of ethics and professional practice. A requirement of BACP and UKATA is that I have regular supervision and that I have myself been in therapy. This is for your safety and improves my effectiveness.
What I can help with
Abuse, Addictions, Anxiety, Bereavement, Cultural issues, Depression, Eating disorders, Health related issues, Identity issues, Loss, Menopause, Neurodiversity, Relationships, Self-esteem, Spirituality, Stress, Trauma, Women’s issues, Work- related issues
Types of therapy
Person-centred, Phenomenological, Psychodynamic, Relational, Transactional analysis, Transpersonal
Clients I work with
Adults, Older adults, Trainees
How I deliver therapy
Long term sessions, Long-term face-to-face work, Online therapy, Outdoor therapy
Relevant Qualifications
BSc (Hons) Psychology
2-year Diploma in Counselling (person-centred modality)
4 year post graduate training in Transactional Analysis leading to Advanced Diploma in Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy
Certificate in Transactional Analysis (TA 101)
Registered Member MBACP (Certificate of Proficiency)
Mobile: 07749 02 99 44
Email: sarah108laird@gmail.com
Katie Watson
I offer both short and long-term counselling and therapy for adults in Liverpool and online. I am committed to creating a therapeutic space for us that is safe, non-judgemental, empowering and collaborative, where we can actively work towards the change and growth you want to see, and where I walk beside you on your journey as an equal.
As a psychotherapist, I am interested in the stories we tell ourselves, especially those stories that seem to replay at times of stress, loss or great change in our lives, like “I’ll never be good enough” or “this was always going to happen to me”. At some point in our history, these stories may have enabled us to survive, and they can be incredibly nuanced and multi-layered. These stories can determine how we look out into the world, make sense of it and how we engage with other people. Eventually these stories may need rewriting, re-evaluating or shedding completely so that we can move forward. Together we will work to understand your story and how it has lead you here. In doing so, this makes room for a new story to be told and a new self to emerge.
Often, I find that people come to therapy either feeling lost, stuck or confused, unable to picture a way forward. I believe that a lot of the distress we feel comes from things outside of our control. We may not be able to change or stop the events taking place around us, but we can change our relationship to them, how we think about them and how we respond.
I use Transactional Analysis (TA) as my main way of working, a humanistic and versatile form of therapy that focuses on rediscovering your agency and giving voice to the different parts of ourselves (i.e. feelings, thoughts or behaviours) that we either push aside or keep hidden. TA acknowledges the vibrancy, diversity and complexities of each person. I encourage all of my clients to do their own reading around the model as it is very accessible. I also incorporate other therapeutic tools and approaches into my work to broaden and deepen the therapeutic experience for my clients, such as:
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therapeutic writing/creative writing
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trauma-sensitive yoga practices
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emotional freedom technique (also known as EFT or ‘tapping’)
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visualisation
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polyvagal exercises to support with feelings of safety and connection.
Any tools that I introduce into our sessions beyond traditional talking therapy will be with your consent, discussed with you first and aligned with your therapeutic goals. You will be able to easily practise any of the tools I use without me at home.
Typically, short-term work can mean anything from 6-12 sessions. If you would like short-term therapy, I ask that we commit to having at least 4-6 sessions together initially, and then review. I find that this focusses the work and provides a clear date for discussion of progress. If you need more sessions, we will usually extend for another 4-6 sessions and review again. Long-term work is generally anything beyond 12 sessions.
Ultimately, how many sessions you might need will depend on your goals and the nature of the issues we work on. The pace and length of our work together is entirely unique and varies from person to person. If we decide to work together, we would usually meet on the same day at the same time on a weekly basis for 60 minutes. I see clients weekly to start with and will only switch to fortnightly when we have built a positive foundation. This is to give the therapy the strongest possible start.
My session fees are:
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Initial session (30 minutes) – Free
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Full therapy session (60 minutes) – £55
I offer a free initial session where we will get to know each other a little more and chat about the reasons why you’ve come to counselling/therapy. I may ask you some questions about your background just to get a sense of what it is like to be you, and you are welcome to ask me anything about how the process works.
We can explore any specific goals you may have in mind for therapy. It’s absolutely fine if you are unsure of what your goals are at this stage – often, these naturally become clearer as we’re going along. We can also use our initial session to discuss practical arrangements too, like what day and time it would be suitable to meet.
katiewatsonpsychotherapy@gmail.com
http://www.katiewatsonpsychotherapy.co.uk/
https://www.bacp.co.uk/therapists/390646/katie-watson/Liverpool
Klara Sharples
My name is Klara and I would like to welcome you warmly to my profile.
Before we find out what brings you here, let me tell you a bit about me. I am fully qualified and BACP registered therapeutic counsellor educated to an university level. While studying for my psychology degree, I became particularly interested in how trauma affects human behaviour and cognitive processes.
The realisation that we can change our way of thinking sparked my curiosity to learn more about the mechanisms behind this. I wanted to understand how to encourage people to explore their inner worlds and how they can heal from trauma.
I became interested in therapy after witnessing its life-changing impact on friends and experiencing it myself. I realised that discussing deeply personal issues is often easier with someone outside of family and friends. This led me to explore the theory behind this dynamic and understand it better.
Talking to a trained therapist is vastly different from talking to friends; in therapy, clients feel they don't need a "filter" or a "mask" and can share private issues without worrying about judgement. Counselling felt like a natural fit for me, something I grew into and found completely fulfilling. It helped me make sense of my life's puzzle.
I earned my psychology degree with honours from Liverpool University. After graduation, I continued my studies at RASA and obtained a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling.
I have volunteered as a crisis online counsellor for young people during mental health crises and as a Samaritan, providing support to those experiencing suicidal thoughts.
My training and experiences:
•BACP registered fully trained and qualified person centred therapeutic counsellor
•trauma training
•suicide prevention training
•attachment training
•sexual exploitation training
•Assist ( suicide prevention training)
•mindfulness and yoga breathing training.
•I am a qualified Sivananda yoga teacher and often incorporate breathing techniques into my practice to help clients calm their parasympathetic nervous systems during our sessions.
I have also worked with cancer charities in Liverpool, supporting clients affected by cancer, those related to someone undergoing cancer treatment, and those grieving a loss due to cancer. This experience has given me a deep understanding of the impact of bereavement on families and close relationships.
Can you tell us about the type of therapy you practice?
I am a person-centred counsellor, meaning you decide what to work on. I won't tell you what to do but will support you in your explorations.
My practice is trauma-informed, providing a safe, confidential space to explore your feelings without judgement.
My approach is highly individualised, adjusting based on your needs. I believe you already have the answers within; my role is to support and gently guide you, helping you uncover them. Together, we will explore your past to understand your present, addressing issues that may be holding you back. I will help you recognise negative patterns and, if needed, teach you coping strategies to deal with issues beyond our sessions. You will feel empowered to change what you want and discuss matters you may have never addressed before.
How does counselling help with symptoms of depression, grief, loss, and low self-esteem?
Talk therapy is a powerful tool recognised by the NHS and mental health professionals as an effective way to overcome mental health distress and prevent worsening issues. People seek therapeutic counselling for various reasons, including emotional distress, depression, anxiety disorders loss, panic disorders, phobias, or OCD. It allows you to explore your feelings healthily and proactively, rather than ruminating on them.
I will support you with compassion, care, and attention to detail, helping you to process your experiences and create more helpful way of thinking about your previous experiences. Together, we will examine and change your perspective on those dark corners of your life.
By exploring old wounds and scrutinising buried feelings, we can open that Pandora's box in a way that helps you move forward. Understanding your inner processes and recognising unhelpful cognitive patterns that you may have applied as your coping strategy will help you to change the things you want to change and learn new coping strategies to help you to move on from your past.
Can I support you?
I have extensive experience working with clients who have faced trauma and loss. I've also helped many individuals navigate family and marital issues, including overcoming affairs and betrayal.
Additionally, I have supported NHS and public service workers dealing with various issues, such as workplace bullying and coercive control. I've worked with parents concerned about children with neurological diversities.
I offer individual therapy for those struggling with self-esteem, loss, depression, cancer, marriage breakups, parenthood conflicts, or childhood trauma. If you're dealing with health issues, I can help. I guarantee complete confidentiality and prioritise your needs with warmth, empathy, and understanding.
As a registered member of the British Association for Counselling, I adhere to their Code of Conduct. My main goal is to help you become the best version of yourself.
People are increasingly recognising therapy as a valuable tool for maintaining good mental health. It's heartening to see individuals seek help rather than suffering in silence.
It's both positive and encouraging when clients come in with a sense that something isn't quite right and use therapy to explore their feelings and find solutions. Therapy is increasingly seen not just as crisis intervention but as a preventative measure against emotional burnout. I believe that early therapeutic intervention can prevent more significant issues later in life.
What do you like about being a therapist?
I love the uniqueness of each client. They keep me engaged and constantly learning, as I've never met a "predictable" client. It's fascinating to share in their inner worlds, and immensely satisfying to see them improve. Witnessing clients find better ways of living brings me great joy.
The diversity of my clients-different cultures, opinions, and values-is something I deeply appreciate. I cherish the moments when clients have their "Eureka moments" and significant parts of their lives suddenly make sense to them. Supporting clients during their most vulnerable times is a privilege I hold dear.
The power of human connection is evident in those raw moments when clients realise they've overcome something significant. I'm grateful to be part of their therapeutic journey.
When clients leave after our sessions, they often appear stronger and more confident. It's fulfilling to see them achieve what they set out to conquer, and knowing I was part of that process feels like a private miracle.
What you do for your own mental health?
I love yoga and long walks to reflect and relax. I have also been writing journals all my life. It helps me to reflect on my own processing and on the therapeutic journey and gives me a clear indication of how I am still developing as a therapist. Writing is a great way to make sense out of any situation and I always recommend my clients to write between our sessions as it can be a great tool to process things that they shared in our sessions.
You are a therapist in Liverpool. What can you share with us about seeing clients in this area?
I love living in Liverpool. People here have open hearts and are hardworking, kind people. Most of my clients who come to their sessions tried so hard to deal with their lives by themselves. They persevered and tried their absolute best to cope but at some point, they got tired of feeling depressed, fed up or anxious and sought help.
I wish they would sometimes seek help a bit earlier rather than suffering for such a long time before they seek help. My message would be to take an example from the famous Beatles song and "Don't carry the world upon your shoulders." Speak up, seek help. Life can be so much easier than it is right now. Being part of the Chesters has been a pleasure.
What's your consultation room like?
I offer face-to-face sessions and online sessions. The therapeutic space I offer is calm, peaceful and beautiful.
What do you wish people knew about therapy?
I know that this has been said before but calling in for support tends to be the hardest first step. I wish that everyone knew that at some point in everyone's life people struggle. Many people do. However, therapeutic counselling can save lives, improve relationships, and relieve a lot of inner distress.
Counselling can also totally change perspective and with a few sessions , things that seemed hopeless and catastrophic yesterday can seem so irrelevant and not worth the stress tomorrow. And as they say in the Beatles song: "Help, I need somebody!", perhaps I am the person who can help. "We can work it out."
What did you learn about yourself in therapy?
I've learned that difficulties often precede progress. When clients first share their challenges, I wish I could reassure them that with time, patience, and courage, their pain will ease. Sometimes, I feel a strong urge to intervene and take responsibility, but I've realised that allowing emotions to unfold naturally helps clients regain control of their lives and embark on a new path.
I've also discovered my intuition is stronger than I realised. Creating a supportive environment for clients is crucial as they strive for a better life. It's fulfilling to see clients leave our final session with greater peace of mind. As the Beatles sang, "There will be an answer." Many seek solutions in therapy, and most find their questions answered by the end.
How can you book a therapy session with me?
Please follow a link here for all relevant and up to date information here.
https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/klara-sharples
Welcome to Therapy with Klara