About me

About me image
Hello, I’m Lou. Thank you for browsing my website.

If you have been thinking about contacting a counsellor but have found it difficult to decide who to choose, then I hope I can help with this first and most important step.

I am an integrative psychotherapeutic counsellor based near Norwich in Norfolk, with over 16 years’ full-time experience working both privately and within the NHS Wellbeing Service. I am also a UKCP registered practitioner.
 

What is an Integrative Counsellor?
Firstly, you might be wondering, what is an ‘integrative’ counsellor? This is someone who has been trained to work with multiple therapeutic approaches, therefore tailoring the therapy to suit the person’s needs in any given moment, rather than the person fitting the therapy. 

So in one sentence, I might reply from a person-centred stance, perhaps with empathy, simply acknowledging what you have said. In the next, I might respond from a CBT approach, where your thinking may be supported by gently challenging that thought, and so on.

Think of a ball of wool that has many loose strands, where each strand is drawn upon appropriately depending on what is needed in the moment, rather than following a fixed or systematic approach.
My approach
Counselling is built on the relationship of trust between the client and the counsellor, and I believe it is important that you feel safe, relaxed and supported in a non-judgemental environment.I aim to provide a calm, confidential space where you can explore difficult thoughts, emotions and life experiences at your own pace.

My work often integrates psychotherapy, mindfulness and emotional regulation techniques, supporting you in developing greater self-understanding, resilience and lasting change.
 

' I cannot thank Lou Goldsmith enough for all her help and guidance this year. I feel I am regaining control of my life once more and would never have been able to do this without her help and support. For the first time in 15 years I can finally say I'm good enough and truly mean that and for that no amount of thank yous could ever repay what she has done for me'

Laura, Norfolk
 

It 's such a shame that it has taken me forty years to finally find someone who understands and has helped me so much.

Richard, Norfolk
 

'On meeting my counsellor I felt she really wanted to help me and at no time did I feel I was not relaxed and she made everything as simple for me and it has been successful- Thank you'

Olive, Norfolk
 

A million thank yous would not be enough to say how you have helped turn my life around. Without you I wouldn't have been able to do it.

Sarah- Norfolk
 

Dear Lou, Thank you for my counselling. Your kind, caring and thoughtful approach has enabled me to reflect and understand myself much better. I feel I now have developed personal resources which will help me face future changes and challenges in my life. Your contribution to these is much appreciated.

Lesley- Norfolk
 

Dear Lou, I hope you know how much you have helped. For whatever reasons, depression and anxiety take their toll on the person you meet and help. For me, it has been an eye opener and know now there is no shame in feeling mental stress! Why should I be any different??!!! Please God, people like you will continue to help someone like me!! Thank you

Irene- Norfolk
 

Dear Louise, Just to say a big 'thank you' for all the support you have given me the last few months. It has really helped an awful lot and I will miss you.

Sandra- Norfolk
 

I just wanted to say thank you so much for all your help. My overall well being is so much better and I really have embraced the triangle! Once again thank you so much, words cannot explain how much better my life is.

Toby
Norfolk
 

I had found myself in a very dark place for several years, I refused help and any help I did receive seemed to be futile. However, when I started my counselling sessions with Lou things started to make sense, all those dotted lines and questions I had started to fit together. She was able to explain things to me in a way I understood, and she gave me all the tools I need to keep myself in a good place, something that at one point in my life I did not think possible. Most importantly though she showed me that the way I was feeling did not make me weaker but in fact could make me stronger. I can give nothing but praise to Lou and how she helped me. I highly recommend her to anyone who may be struggling as I did. – Stuart Brown

Stuart
Client
 
 
Experience & Professional BackgroundI
I have 16 years of full-time experience as a counsellor, working both in private practice and within the NHS Wellbeing Service. My experience includes supporting clients with a wide range of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, low self-esteem and life transitions.

Qualifications & Training

Introduction to Counselling Skills Certificate (2001)
Person Centred Skills Certificate (2002)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Certificate (CBT) (2004)
Mindfulness Skills – 8 week course (2005)
Counselling for Depression Certificate (2014)
Mindfulness Teaching Practitioner Course (NHS) (2017)
Working Online with Young People 11–25+ (2018)
Diploma in Couples Counselling (2019)
CBE-e for Eating Disorders (2020)
RAF Investing in Futures Training – Telephone Friendship (2021)
UAL Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design (2022)
TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Nutrition and Health (2023)
Taking the First Step
Choosing the right counsellor is important, and it’s completely understandable to take time with this decision . In the initial 50-minute assessment, we explore what has brought you to counselling and decide together whether we feel we are a good working fit. If we feel we are not a suitable match, I will support you in finding a counsellor who may be better suited to your needs.

Counselling is not just listening. It can be challenging at times. However, the stronger the relationship we build, the more supported, honest and open you can be.

This is key.

If you feel ready to take the next step, please feel free to get in touch.

Book an initial assessment

  • Reepham, Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom