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Lou Hillier Psychology
Online Psychologist & Statement Analyst
Psychologist & Statement Analyst
Welcome Home
"In my role as a psychologist and counsellor, I try to be like a lighthouse for people. Lighthouses illuminate the way and act as a point of reference for voyagers to help them safely avoid dangers and arrive in one piece at their chosen destination."
Thank you for visiting the website of Light House Psychology. My name is Lou Hillier and I am a chartered counselling psychologist based in Spetisbury, Blandford Forum, Dorset, UK - that's me in the photograph below!
I offer a range of psychological therapies for mental health and personal development, including depth psychotherapy, counselling, mindfulness, coaching and cognitive behaviour therapy. See the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for more information on the type of psychological therapies. I am also a psychology tutor/coach and happy to provide tuition, life coaching and personal development sessions for students/trainees or for those who want to extend their knowledge and insight to get a better understanding of psychology generally, as well as of themselves and other people and how to reach their goals and fulfil their potential.
You can access counselling, psychotherapy, tuition or coaching via telephone and online video-calls from anywhere in the UK. If you are a UK citizen, you can access online sessions from anywhere in the world!
Whatever difficulty you are experiencing, whether it's depression, anxiety, panic, low self-esteem, identity confusion, relationship problems, loss of confidence, self-hatred, bereavement, trauma, PTSD, anger, family conflict, addictions, obsessions to name just a few, there will be a way to help you overcome your difficulties and move forward with your life positively.
I do hope you find the information here helpful and interesting. I regularly update the content and add a new blog every month (or so!) about psychology, psychotherapy, counselling, cognitive behaviour therapy and topics related to mental health and personal development. The most recent blog is about Overcoming Negative Thoughts and Feelings - there is an accompanying YouTube video for those who like to get their information in audio-visual form as well.
Experience
So, just a little background information about me and how I came to be a psychologist. Prior to starting my training, I worked in administration and logistics for a number of commercial companies before joining the International Division of the British Red Cross in 1991 as a Logistics Officer. My work for the Red Cross took me to many different countries that were experiencing armed conflict or natural disaster. My role was to assist in the distribution of humanitarian relief supplies directly to people who were in dire need of the basic necessities of living, such as food, clean water, shelter and safety.
During the five and a half years I worked for the Red Cross I came to understand that the psychological needs of people were equally important to their physical needs but they were often left unacknowledged and untreated. Mental health suffering can not always be seen but it is just as real. The world has moved on and the neglect of mental health is not as pronounced as it once was, but there is still much to do. I hope to continue to do my small part to alleviate psychological suffering and the associated stigma, so that people no longer feel ashamed and can reach out openly for assistance for their mental health with dignity in the same way we do for our physical needs.
Qualifications
I started my training in psychology as a mature student in 1996 at The University of Kent at Canterbury. After graduating with a BSc in Psychology in 1999, I obtained a certificate, advanced certificate, diploma and an MSc in Counselling Psychology before qualifying as a Chartered Psychologist (BSc, MSc, PG.Dip, C.Psychol) with the Doctoral Qualification in Counselling Psychology in 2005. Since then I worked for 16 years in the UK mental health system in primary care, secondary care and voluntary services and now work exclusively as an independent psychologist and counsellor. To maintain accreditation, I engage in continuing professional development training and have gained further qualifications in couples therapy, child psychology & counselling, hypnotherapy, equine assisted psychotherapy, cognitive analytic therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, mindfulness, compassion focused therapy and EMDR.
The purpose of all this training is not to appear 'smart' but just to be equipped with the widest possible selection of strategies, skills, techniques and theories to draw upon to make sure you get the most appropriate assistance to meet your needs and in the most appropriate way and at the most appropriate time.
Access From Anywhere in The World!
Online video-call and telephone sessions can be accessed from anywhere in the UK by anyone living in the UK. If you are a UK Citizen or UK Resident living or staying outside the UK, you can still access sessions online from where ever you are in the world, all you need is an email address and an internet connection.
Free Consultation
If you are thinking about accessing psychological therapy or counselling for your mental health or life coaching for your personal development, I offer a free 30 minute initial consultation via Zoom. This call provides you with a supportive and non-judgemental space to explore and figure out what you want and need from therapy or coaching. It also gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have and for you to see if you think we could work well together. Please do get in touch if you would like to book your free initial consultation.
If you are enquiring about a family member or friend, I can only offer one free consultation per client, so please bear this in mind.
Get In Touch
If you have any questions or would like more information on anything related to psychology, counselling, psychotherapy, mental health, personal development and coaching, please do get in touch. I will always be very happy to hear from you and will do my best to help you in any way I can. Remember, the only 'silly' questions are the ones that don't get asked!
Accreditation
I have full enhanced DBS clearance and accreditation by the Health Care Professions Council (HPCP) and the British Psychological Society (BPS), which are overseen by the Professional Standards Authority. I follow the HPCP and BPS codes of conduct, ethics and professional practice standards and am an approved psychologist provider with the following health insurance companies: Aviva, AXA Health, BUPA and Vitality Health. and verified by the Counselling Directory
Anxiety & Stress
Domestic Violence
Low Self-Esteem
Historic Abuse
Addictions
Gender & Sexuality
Obsessions & Compulsions
Relationship Issues
Trauma & PTSD
Depression
Grief Loss Bereavement
Family Conflict
Identity Issues
Work Related Stress
Confidentiality
Your privacy is of utmost importance and all your information remains entirely confidential, with two exceptions:
1. When you/another is at serious risk - relevant professionals may need to be informed to ensure safety.
2. When information is shared indicating a criminal offence has been or is planned to be committed - relevant authorities may need to be informed.
Please see the Confidentiality Agreement for more details.
Risk Contacts
If you or another are at risk and require urgent support, please contact your GP and one or more of the following:
Call 111 NHS non-urgent medical 24/7. Text 85258 Shout text support 24/7. Call 999 or go to your local Hospital A&E.
Regrettably, I am unable to respond to emergencies or urgent situations that require immediate support.
Testimonials
Useful Links
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) support for men.
Centre for Clinical Interventions - self-help materials and resources.
Clic-UK - online community providing support.
Get Self Help - self-help materials and resources.
Mental Health Foundation - information on prevention and staying well.
Mental Health UK - information and support.
Mind UK - information, advice and support.
NHS Local Service Finder – local NHS Service.
Rethink Mental Illness - peer support online.
Switchboard - LGBTQ+ advice, help and support.