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Chris Arridge

Counselling and Psychotherapy

Hello, I'm Chris

Photograph of me sat in my counselling room

Therapy isn't an indulgence and can help people from all walks of life with different difficulties and experiences. I offer kind and non-judgemental counselling in a safe, confidential and quiet space in the centre of Lancaster.

I understand that going to see a counsellor for the first time can be difficult and uncomfortable — even if you've had therapy before. I believe that the relationship between counsellor and client is very important and I offer a free no-obligation 1 hour initial appointment so we can establish if we can/would like to work together.

There's lots of information on this website but you don't need to digest it all! We will be able to talk about any of this face-to-face in the event that we meet. Why not contact me today? I'd love to hear from you and explore working with you.

Please note, I do not and cannot offer a crisis service. If you require immediate help then you may find support from the NHS Home Treatment ("Crisis") Team, The Samaritans, or Papyrus.

Therapy and Qualifications

Photograph of some trees.

As a counsellor I place great importance on offering warmth, kindness, empathy, human connection, and accepting my clients as they are in the moments I spend with them. My job is to be a close companion, to not leave your side in a therapeutic sense, and not to get in the way of your process of self-discovery and change. It's my job to help shine a light on things that might be difficult for you to see clearly. It's my job to go with you to the places that are difficult for you to go to alone and to hear the words and try to sense the feelings you can't express anywhere else.

I have a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the University of Cumbria and am a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

I have experience working with people experiencing a range of difficulties. I particularly have experience working with abuse, addiction, ADHD and autism, anxiety, bereavement, self-confidence and self-esteem. I also have a background in higher education and have more than a decade of experience supporting and mentoring students, and working with disabled students. I have particular interest in ADHD, Autism and other neurodivergent experiences of being in the world.

Practicalities

I usually offer appointments during the daytime on Wednesdays and Fridays in central Lancaster. I may also be able to offer some early evening appointments by special arrangement. My regular fee is £45 per hour and may also be able to offer you a concessionary rate of £30 per hour (reserved for people who are unemployed or on low wages, students, pensioners, and trainee counsellors).

07514 771 478

counselling@chrisarridge.co.uk

Photograph of my counselling room.