Elizabeth (Liz) Cook

Elizabeth (Liz) Cook recognises that deciding to see a counsellor can feel daunting, whether someone is unsure what to expect, returning after a gap, or has had an earlier counselling relationship that did not work out. She aims to give a clear sense of who she is and how she works so people can make an informed choice.

She qualified as a counsellor in the United Kingdom in 2012 and has 12 years of experience in the field. Before qualifying she spent 22 years working in social care, supporting people with disabilities and the family members and friends who cared for them. That background informs her understanding of how illness and disability affect individuals and families and contributes to a strong commitment to offering support in those areas.

Elizabeth has extensive experience working with people facing anxiety, depression and stress, including those who feel suicidal, use self-harm to cope, or become so low that they withdraw from the world. She is trained in person-centred counselling and also holds a qualification in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and she draws on those approaches to match the needs of each person she sees.

At the first meeting she offers plenty of time to hear about a person’s situation and what they hope to achieve through counselling, then discusses how she might be able to help. As a person-centred counsellor she believes people have resources within themselves for positive change, while also recognising how valuable it can be to have a counsellor alongside on that journey. She hopes to be able to support people as they work toward their goals.