About Louise

I am parent to a large family of adult children and a grandparent to some small ones. I enjoy yoga, reading (a lot), walking when health conditions allow, going to music gigs (mostly The Levellers), and I am currently learning some new crafts.

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Having raised my family, I realised that I had forgotten what I enjoyed, woke up thinking predominantly about what everyone else needed, and rarely paid myself any attention. I realised that things needed to change, and set about this challenging task.

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Working on discovering who I am at this stage of my life has meant coming to terms with my struggle in social situations, my likely neurodivergence, and my hypermobility that causes, and is linked to, a large number of symptoms such as chronic pain, migraine and other disconcerting experiences.

 

For me, this process involved finding new interests, uncovering old ones, coming to an acceptance of my limitations, and finding some confidence and satisfaction in who I had become. It has not been easy. I started indoor climbing, but then perimenopause arrived and I had to stop because of joint instability. I also had to take a break from yoga but I am starting again with a gentle class.

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My background includes working as a Registered Nurse for Learning Disabilities and several roles in the voluntary sector; a telephone helpline for people with ME/CFS, carrying out carers' assessments, and working as an advocate helping people to navigate NHS treatment, mental health services, social services, and drugs and alcohol treatment. Spending time in these roles emphasised for me the importance of listening to people's stories and offering support, and the significant difference this can make to peoples' lives.​​

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I feel privileged to have worked as a counsellor for the past six years, and although it is demanding work, seeing my clients make changes and feel better about themselves is an amazing experience.

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