We see so many people who’s lives are changed for the better as a result of coming along for counselling but we know that it can be a huge decision to take that first step towards therapy.   One of the big decisions is which therapist to choose.  Quite often if you are looking at a directory like the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists there isn’t a lot to go on!  You get a brief description of qualifications and some blurb about the therapies offered but you don’t get a feel for the person you will be opening up to.

So we thought we’d focus this blog on our counsellors – they are humans too and have some outstanding hobbies and interests we’d like to share with you. If you do want to know about their qualifications and approach to therapy you’ll find this info on our Meet The Team page

If you just want to go straight to book a session just click here to go to our booking system.  Or call 0113 2340818 to speak to the team.

Meet Lisa

FACT 1: What’s the most challenging thing that you have done?

LISA: The most challenging yet rewarding thing I’ve done has got to be raising my 3 sons alone after divorce, whilst working full time and studying. It took me a while to qualify, as I couldn’t always afford the next step and had to wait until I could.  I worked as a courier (to pay the bills and fund my life), it was hard, physically challenging and a lot of fun. It taught me a lot about human nature. I have so much respect for couriers.

FACT 2:  How would your best friend describe you?

LISA: My two best friends both sadly died within 4 years of each other, so I can’t ask them…. however, I think they would say I am kind and loyal with a wicked sense of humour. 

FACT 3:  What do you do to relax?

LISA: I love horse riding, I don’t go often as I would like, but it’s worth the wait.  Also I take long walks with my dog or snuggle up with my cats.  I love to go out with friends/family for good food, an odd glass of Merlot and talk/laugh non-stop. 

FACT 4: What’s your favourite film?

LISA: Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe.

FACT 5: Finally, if you had to take a long car journey with a celebrity who would you choose?

LISA: I would choose Jason Manford, he’s so funny. 

Meet Chris

FACT 1: What’s the most challenging thing you have ever done?

CHRIS:  In terms of work its working in the prison system with male offenders and their families. I was part of a European project looking at family work within the prison system which involved visiting institutions in other countries.  Outside of work my most challenging thing is definitely running 2 Great North Runs

FACT 2: How would your best friend describe you?

CHRIS: Hmmm – not sure. I daren’t ask her. She’d probably say I was a bit too sweary but good fun and supportive.

FACT 3: What do you do to relax?

CHRIS:  Running – I love it!!I also read a lot, swear a lot and sing loudly very badly!

FACT 4: What’s your favourite film?

CHRIS: I always say Con Air as a joke, because I hate Nicholas Cage! Really though it’s probably The Shape of Water because it shows we can love whoever we want in whatever form they might take.

FACT 5: Finally, if you had to take a long car journey with a celebrity who would you choose?

CHRIS: It would have to be someone with lots to say for themselves, who wouldn’t be offended by my road rage and loud music. Someone who could make me laugh but also shut up when I need them to. Probably someone like Grayson Perry or Billy Connelly.

Meet Alison

FACT 1: What’s the most challenging thing that you have done?

ALISON: I was a taxi driver in York for quite a few years. At times that was really challenging! I learned a lot about human nature and how to handle difficult situations and personalities. As well as the challenging clients I met some really nice people and had some great conversations.

FACT 2: How would your best friends describe you?

ALISON: My best friend is my partner.  I hope he would say that I was genuine, kind and fun to be with! 

FACT 3: What do you do to relax?

ALISON: I really like walking. I go off into the countryside around our beautiful Yorkshire and walk for hours.  It is so good to be out in nature. I love cycling as well but walking is my go-to relaxation therapy!

FACT 4:  What’s your favourite film?

ALISON: Difficult question – it would have to be a comedy! I love making people laugh.  If I could have a super power that’s what it would be. – making people laugh!

FACT 5:  Finally, if you had to take a long car journey with a celebrity who would you choose?

ALISON: That’s an easy one – Peter Kaye.  I love his observational skills and how he reflects real life situations and he really does make a lot of people laugh!

Meet David

FACT 1: What’s the most challenging thing you have done?

DAVID: Without a doubt, training as a counsellor. Not just the exams and skills practice and the huge commitment of time and money, but working through all the doubts and uncertainties that could have stopped me along the way. It was a big gamble, choosing to retrain and leave my safe job in the higher education sector, but I’ll always be glad I took on the challenge and came out the other side.

FACT 2: How would your best friends describe you?

DAVID:  Quiet. Dependable. Eats too much pizza.

FACT 3: What do you do to relax?  

DAVID: Relaxation means many different things to me, depending on how I feel and what I need. It can be a run through my local parks, cooking a hearty meal, or lighting the candles for a movie night.

When I’m feeling stressed, I take a moment to consider what’s troubling me. I’ll think about what I need, whether that’s food, rest, contact with another person, and do what I can to take care of myself. When I’m feeling ready, and I understand what’s causing me stress, I’ll tackle it as best I can. That could mean fixing the problem itself or breaking the solution down into a realistic and manageable plan. Regardless of the approach, always try to treat myself with kindness and care along the way.

FACT 4: What is your favourite film?

DAVID: Stephen King’s ‘Carrie’ has the distinct honour of being my favourite novel, film, and musical. 

Barbra Streisand has long been my favourite singer, but Annie Lennox and Stevie Nicks are challenging her for the title.

FACT 5: If you had to take a long car journey with a famous person who would you pick?

DAVID: Put me in a top-down convertible with Harvey Fierstein and send us on our way. He’s a fantastic writer and storyteller, and I’d love to hear all the stories and Broadway gossip he has to share.

Find out more

Want to know more about our counsellors? You can read their professional bios in our Meet the Team page

Find out more about Phoenix Health and Wellbeing here

If you have private health insurance you may be able to claim back the cost of your treatment. Check your policy.

Phoenix Health & Wellbeing is a charitable social enterprise.  By coming to us for a treatment you are helping people who have chronic health issues and low incomes. We use the proceeds of your treatment to subsidise those who would not otherwise be able to access our therapies. Roughly £4 to every £10 spent with us will go to help others.

Opening times:

Monday to Thursday from 10:00 to 20:00

Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00

Sunday closed.

Book your massage via our website or call 0113 234 0818 to speak to one of the team