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Counselling in Leeds and Online
Lisa Norfolk, MBACP (Accred)
I’m a Person-Centred Counsellor and Psychotherapist. I’ve been in practice since 2006, working with young people (11+), adults and parents, in Leeds and online/phone.
My aim is simple: a safe, boundaried space where you can be heard, make sense of what’s going on, and move at a pace that fits you. I work person-centred and integratively, and I often bring in creative approaches (drawing, objects, writing) when words are not quite enough. My practice is trauma-informed and rooted in autonomy and choice.
Counselling as a mirror
Counselling can work like a mirror. I reflect your words, feelings and body language so you can see yourself more clearly and notice patterns that are easy to miss on your own. It is a bit like the moment in this photo, looking into the flower sculpture and catching a different side of myself. In the room, that reflection helps you make sense of what is happening and choose what you want to change.
Where I’ve worked
Over almost two decades I’ve supported young people, families and adults across the third sector and private practice, including:
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The Market Place (Leeds)
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Re-establish
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Step2 (Bradford)
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GASPED
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Samaritans
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Safe Zone (crisis service for young people)
This has included extensive bereavement, crisis, creative and parent/family work.
I also spent years in the corporate world (Insurance and Marketing) and hold a BA (Hons) in Journalism. I understand workplace pressures and what it’s like to feel stuck in a role that doesn’t fit.
Qualifications and Memberships
Core qualifications
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Certificate in Counselling (Leeds City College) — 2005–2006
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Diploma in Counselling (Leeds City College) — 2006–2008
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BSc Therapeutic Studies (Counselling), Leeds Metropolitan University — 2009
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Certificate in Online Counselling (ACTO Accredited) — June 2016
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Open University: primer module for online counselling — 2020
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Diploma in Counselling Children & Young People (CPD Standards Office accredited) — Aug 2024–current
Selected CPD (recent)
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Leeds Trauma-Informed Network – annual workshop (2023)
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Trauma training – Dr Debra Choudhury-Peters (2023)
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Therapeutic interventions for children healing from trauma – Dr Margot Sunderland (2024)
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Developmental Trauma – Beacon House (online) (2024)
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Adult Safeguarding; LSCP child safeguarding refresher (2024)
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Mental Capacity Act (2024)
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Oliver McGowan Learning Disability & Autism Training (2024)
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De-prescribing Antidepressants – Dr Mark Horowitz (2024)
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Preventing Radicalisation (2024)
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BACP Making Connections (2023)
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National Counsellors’ Day Conference (2024)
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Creative practice workshops: Working with Nesting Dolls; Carl Jung Dream Workshop (2024)
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Specialist talks: Science of Attachment Styles; Science of Fetish & Kink; Depathologising “mental health” (2023)
Memberships & registration
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MBACP (Accredited), Registered Member — 1207769 / 00611763
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Enhanced DBS checked
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Attends external supervision with a Senior Accredited BACP Supervisor
Published work
I contributed Chapter 16: The Market Place to the PCCS book
People Not Pathology: Freeing Therapy from the Medical Model (2023) — writing about de-medicalised counselling services for children and young people.
How this shapes my practice
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Person-centred & relational: you set the pace; we agree aims and review regularly.
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Integrative: I draw from brief, relational, cognitive, existential, humanistic and solution-focused ways of working.
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Creative options: when helpful, we use practical, expressive methods alongside talking.
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Inclusive: additional training in LGBTQI+ and neurodiversity; experience with multi-cultural clients.
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Boundaries & safety: clear agreements, safeguarding, and steady, transparent process.
Trauma-informed, in practice: I work from the understanding that something happened to you, rather than that there’s something “wrong” with you. We prioritise safety, choice, trust, collaboration and empowerment. We go at your pace, agree each step together, and use simple body–mind tools to steady the nervous system so talking feels manageable. The aim is to avoid re-traumatisation, restore a sense of control, and help you find meaning and next steps that fit your life.
A line that guides my work:
“It’s not about what’s wrong with you, but what has happened to you.”
- Eleanor Longden
A small personal note
Outside the therapy room, you may find me at a roller disco — sequins included. Balance matters. So does joy.
If this sounds like the right fit, get in touch and we’ll talk about the best way to begin.
