Hi, I'm Lesley.
I'm a therapist and coach working with women across the UK online, and face to face in Manchester. But before I tell you what I do, I want to tell you who I am - because I think it matters.
My story.
When I was coming up with a name for my business, I distinctly remember thinking that I didn't want to be seen. So I chose my initials. Then I spent the next seven years living up to that decision. In every area of my life I hid away. I was embarrassed to put myself out there. I would literally shrink from anything where I'd be in the spotlight.
I qualified as a counsellor in 2016 and started my private practice straight away, while also working another job until I got established. Seven years later, I was still scared to take that leap and go full time.
I thought about it all the time. But there was that voice of doubt that said I couldn't do it. And all of the voices from my childhood, the ridicule, the shame, would fill my head too. So I stayed put. Frozen with fear that I would fail. I already suffered with depression and anxiety throughout my life, and I just wasn't strong enough to take a chance on myself.
Then the work dried up in my job, and I was suddenly unemployed.
I can't begin to describe the shame I felt. That my worst fear was happening anyway. This was the lowest I'd ever felt. Now I had no choice. I had to change.
How I found my way through.
For me, spirituality literally saved me. Not in a religious way, but as a way to understand myself and the world better. I learned how to trust myself and take responsibility for my actions. I knew this meant stopping blaming others for what was going wrong. And by doing that, I gave myself the power to change my thinking and therefore my experiences.
I learned the value of self-compassion and forgiveness. Through those I learned to honour myself. And because of that, I remembered that I was always worthy, always good enough, and that I loved who I was.
Today I show up as myself, wherever and as often as I can. It's not always easy. It's still a process. But getting past the doubt is easier now because I'm no longer hard on myself.
I knew I was ready to be seen when I felt the strong urge to be proud of my own name. So I changed it.
And every day I continue to grow.
Why I do this work.
I'm sharing that with you because I want you to know that I've been there. I've hidden, I've felt the shame, I had the voice that says you're not good enough. All of that meant years of staying frozen because moving felt too risky.
I know what it costs to keep yourself small. But I know what it feels like to finally stop.
When I work with you, I bring all of that with me. Because it means I understand you. And because I've been on the other side of this work myself, I know it's possible for you too.
A bit more about me.
These days, outside of sessions I'm a solo mum, I run with my dog Ash, and I share my home with him and three cats. I'm vegan, alcohol-free, and I live a quieter, more grounded life and I love it.
I'm naturally bubbly and passionate, and this shows in the things I care about.
This work is one of them.
Qualifications and training.
Diploma in Integrative Therapeutic Counselling
Certificate in Relationship Counselling
Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Spiritual Coaching
NLP Practitioner
I'm sure my story isn't rare. If it resonated with you and you recognised something of yourself in it, feel free to get in touch.
You don't have to have it figured out. You just have to be ready to try something different.
Ready to take the first step?
The first step is just a conversation. Free, no commitment, no pressure.