Lee Payton Counselling and Psychotherapy
About Me
Hello, I’m Lee Payton, and I’m so glad you’ve found your way here. I offer a safe, compassionate space for adults aged 18 and over, both in Berkhamsted and online, to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment.
I have a particular interest in supporting people with anxiety, panic attacks, and stress, but I also work with a wide range of challenges, including depression, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, bereavement, trauma, anger, self-harm, and coping with life changes. Whatever you are facing, my aim is to help you understand what is happening emotionally and to guide you toward the future you want—free from fear, sadness, or stress.
I am an Accredited Member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) and a member of EMDR UK. I hold a First-Class Honours Degree (with distinction) in Psychology with Counselling and professional qualifications in Person-Centred and Psychodynamic Counselling, EMDR, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and both traditional and cognitive hypnotherapy. My ongoing self-directed study into Psychology and research continues to deepen my understanding of human resilience and emotional well-being.
Before counselling, I worked in the creative industries—writing, theatre, film, television, and radio—after completing a postgraduate diploma at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. This creative background informs my therapeutic approach, helping me connect with clients in flexible, empathetic, and insightful ways.
My practice is grounded in warmth, curiosity, and respect. I am here to listen, support, and guide you as you navigate life’s challenges, build self-understanding, and step into a life with more confidence, calm, and clarity.
Alongside my private practice, I have gained valuable experience working within specialist services. I was part of the counselling team at The Hospice of St Francis, where I carried out therapeutic assessments and supported individuals facing complex emotional and end-of-life challenges. I have also worked within a Hertfordshire school counselling service, supporting children and young people with their emotional wellbeing and helping them navigate the pressures and changes of growing up.
Counselling Services
How counselling can help with anxiety
Living with anxiety can feel overwhelming and exhausting, but you don’t have to face it alone. Counselling offers a calm and supportive space to understand what you’re experiencing and to begin finding a way forward.
Through our work together, counselling can help you:
- Feel calmer and think more clearly, reducing the constant sense of stress so you can make decisions with greater confidence.
- Understand how anxiety works, including the messages your brain sends during anxious moments, and learn practical ways to respond to them more gently and effectively.
- Navigate everyday challenges with greater ease, including persistent worry or overthinking that can make daily life feel difficult.
- Restore a sense of balance and wellbeing, helping you reconnect with calm, stability, and a greater sense of control in your life.
- Strengthen your relationship with yourself and others, developing deeper self-awareness and more fulfilling connections.
- Build lasting tools for the future, such as healthy boundaries, mindfulness and meditation practices, and practical strategies that help prevent anxiety from taking hold again.
- Counselling is not about “fixing” you—it is about helping you understand yourself more deeply and supporting you in creating a life that feels calmer, more balanced, and more fulfilling.
How counselling can help with depression and low mood
When you’re experiencing depression or low mood, even small things can feel heavy or overwhelming. It can become difficult to find motivation, clarity, or a sense of direction. Counselling offers a supportive, non-judgemental space where you can speak openly about what you’re going through and begin to rediscover hope, understanding, and a way forward.
Through counselling, you may begin to:
- See your difficulties from a new perspective, helping problems feel more manageable and less overwhelming.
- Feel more able to face everyday challenges, gently overcoming patterns such as procrastination, avoidance, or feeling stuck.
- Reconnect with a sense of wellbeing and balance, rediscovering moments of calm, purpose, and meaning in your life.
- Strengthen your connection with yourself and others, developing deeper self-understanding and more fulfilling relationships.
- Clarify what truly matters to you, including your values, your wellbeing, and the goals you want to move towards.
- Think with greater clarity, enabling you to make decisions with more confidence and self-trust.
- Develop healthy boundaries, supporting more open, respectful, and supportive communication with others.
Counselling offers a compassionate space to explore what may be weighing on you, helping you gradually move toward a life that feels lighter, more hopeful, and more connected.
How counselling can support young adults
The transition into adulthood can bring excitement, but it can also feel confusing, pressured, or overwhelming at times. Questions about identity, relationships, career direction, and independence can create uncertainty and anxiety. Counselling offers a safe, supportive space where you can talk openly, feel heard, and begin to better understand yourself and your path forward.
Through counselling, you may begin to:
- Build greater confidence and motivation, helping you feel more able to take steps toward the life you want.
- Understand how anxiety works, learning practical ways to manage anxious thoughts and feelings more effectively.
- Embrace your individuality, recognising that your unique qualities and perspectives are a strength rather than something to hide.
- Develop stronger communication skills and healthy boundaries, supporting more positive relationships and a clearer sense of direction.
- Gently challenge limiting beliefs, allowing you to move beyond self-doubt and see new possibilities for yourself.
- Create a greater sense of balance and emotional stability, helping you respond to life’s challenges with calm rather than overwhelm.
- Counselling provides a compassionate space to explore who you are, what matters to you, and how you would like your future to unfold, supporting you in building a life that feels authentic, balanced, and meaningful.
How EMDR can help
When we go through distressing or traumatic experiences, the mind sometimes struggles to fully process what has happened. Memories and emotions can become “stuck,” continuing to affect how we feel, think, and respond long after the event has passed. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a gentle, evidence-based therapy designed to help the brain process these experiences so they no longer hold the same emotional intensity.
Through EMDR therapy, you may begin to:
- Understand how trauma can affect both the mind and body, and why certain memories, sensations, or reactions may continue to surface.
- Process and release “stuck” emotions and memories, allowing distressing experiences to feel less overwhelming.
- Reduce anxiety and emotional distress, while developing a greater sense of calm and emotional regulation.
- Strengthen self-esteem and confidence, replacing negative beliefs about yourself with more balanced and compassionate ones.
- Reframe past experiences, so that memories remain but no longer carry the same emotional weight.
- Feel less triggered by reminders of the past, helping you respond to situations in the present with greater ease and stability.
- Support the brain’s natural healing process, allowing you to move forward without feeling defined by what has happened.
- EMDR does not erase memories, but it can help transform how those memories are held in the mind and body—so that the past feels like the past, and no longer controls how you feel in the present.
My approach to counselling
Life can bring challenges that at times feel overwhelming, confusing, or difficult to face alone. Reaching out for support is often a meaningful first step toward understanding what you are experiencing and finding a way forward. My role as a counsellor is to offer a calm, supportive space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace, and begin to discover new possibilities for change and growth.
In our sessions, you will have the opportunity to reflect on what may be troubling you in a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental environment. Speaking with someone outside your everyday life can often bring a sense of relief and clarity. Together, we can gently explore your experiences, helping you gain new perspectives and a deeper understanding of yourself.
Counselling is not about being given advice or being told what to do. Instead, it is about empowering you to make the choices that feel right for you. At times, practical tools and strategies can also be helpful—particularly when working with issues such as anxiety—supporting you in feeling calmer and more able to manage difficult moments.
My work is grounded in a person-centred approach, which means I see therapy as a collaborative journey. I walk alongside you with empathy, respect, and openness, supporting you as you move toward what the founder of person-centred therapy, Carl Rogers, described as self-actualisation—the natural human capacity to grow, heal, and reach your potential.
Alongside this foundation, I also draw on my training in a range of therapeutic approaches. This allows me to work pluralistically, meaning we can shape the therapy around your individual needs, goals, and hopes for the future. Together, we can find the approach that feels most helpful for you as you move toward greater understanding, balance, and well-being.
Clinical Supervision
I offer supportive and collaborative clinical supervision for both qualified counsellors and trainee therapists. Supervision provides a vital space to reflect on your work, deepen your understanding of your clients, and continue developing your confidence and professional identity as a practitioner.
I am passionate about supporting counsellors at all stages of their careers. My aim is to provide a thoughtful, encouraging environment where you can explore your clinical work openly, reflect on challenges, and build on your strengths. Together, we focus on maintaining high standards of ethical, safe, and effective practice, while also supporting your growth as an authentic and confident therapist.
Alongside private practice, my professional experience includes working within NHS services, the third sector, educational settings, and private practice, which allows me to understand the different contexts in which therapists work and the unique pressures and opportunities each setting can bring.
My supervision approach is reflective, supportive, and collaborative. I aim to create a space where you feel able to think freely about your work, explore clinical dilemmas, and develop your own therapeutic voice while remaining grounded in ethical practice and professional standards.
If you are looking for a supervisor who values thoughtful reflection, professional growth, and authenticity in practice, I would be very happy to hear from you. Please feel free to get in touch for an informal conversation and to discuss supervision fees.
Please note: I do not currently provide supervision for EMDR practice.
FAQs
Psychotherapy is a broad term that describes a range of talking therapies, including counselling. Counselling is often shorter-term and can focus on understanding current difficulties, patterns of behaviour, and finding practical ways to cope with challenges you may be facing now.
Psychotherapy, on the other hand, can sometimes involve a deeper and longer-term exploration of your experiences, emotions, and the underlying factors that may be contributing to ongoing difficulties.
In my work, I draw on both approaches. This means we can tailor the therapy to suit your individual needs—whether you are looking for focused support with a particular issue, or would like the space to explore things in greater depth over time. My aim is always to work in a way that feels most helpful and supportive for you.
Speaking with someone confidentially—someone outside of your family or social circle—can often bring a fresh perspective and a sense of relief. It can create space to reflect on what you’re experiencing, helping you understand your thoughts and feelings in new ways.
Counselling and psychotherapy offer a regular, dedicated time just for you: a supportive space to explore whatever may be on your mind, at your own pace, without judgement.
If you’re unsure whether counselling is right for you, I offer a free, no-obligation introductory chat by phone or Zoom. This gives you the opportunity to ask questions, get a feel for how I work, and see whether it feels like the right fit for you—without any pressure or expectation.
The length of counselling or psychotherapy really depends on you and what you’re hoping to achieve. Some people find it helpful to begin with a short-term plan of just a few sessions, while others prefer to explore things more gradually over a longer period. I can support you in either approach.
Whatever path you choose, you remain in control—there’s no obligation to continue beyond what feels right for you. In our first session, we’ll discuss your hopes, expectations, and goals, and together we’ll plan a way of working that suits your needs. This ensures that your therapy is tailored to you, at a pace that feels comfortable and supportive.
Counselling is about your journey, and I’m here to guide and support you along the way, wherever that may lead.
I have supported many clients from a variety of backgrounds, each with their own unique experiences and challenges. While no two journeys are the same, the focus is always on understanding you and what matters to you.
The best way to know if we’re a good fit is to arrange a free, no-obligation chat. This gives us a chance to talk about what brings you here and how I might be able to support you. After this conversation, you can feel confident in deciding whether to take the next step.
I work with adults of all ages, from young adults starting out in life, through to older-age adults, and even those facing the challenges of end-of-life. My clients come from all walks of life—whether from sport, the arts, music, film, television, business, finance, education, healthcare, or any other background.
What matters most is you and your unique experiences, not your job or status. Everyone brings their own story, and I aim to provide a safe, supportive space where you can feel heard, understood, and guided toward the changes you want to make in your life.
No matter who you are or what you’re facing, my goal is to work alongside you with empathy, respect, and care.
My standard sessions are £80 for 60 minutes, which is in line with typical counselling rates. Occasionally, longer sessions are requested—such as for EMDR—and these are charged proportionally. All costs and session arrangements are agreed upfront, so there are no surprises. I can also provide invoices or receipts on request.
I understand that finances can sometimes be a concern. While my current availability for concessions is limited, please do feel free to get in touch. I’m always happy to have a conversation about your situation and explore what might work for you.
The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and supported in taking the first step toward counselling.
The most common and secure way to pay is by bank transfer, which is simple and convenient. If you are attending sessions in person at my therapy room in leafy Berkhamsted, I also accept cash or cheque.
Payments are straightforward, and I aim to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible, so you can focus fully on your therapy without any worries.
Most clients find that meeting once a week works well to create continuity and space for reflection between sessions. However, the frequency of sessions really depends on your individual needs and goals, and we can agree on a plan that feels right for you before you start.
The pace of therapy is always tailored to you, giving you the flexibility to feel supported without pressure, and ensuring your sessions fit comfortably with your life and circumstances.
I aim to offer appointments that fit around your life, with the most availability currently during weekday daytime hours. This tends to allow for a consistent schedule and the best continuity in your therapy.
I also offer a limited number of Saturday morning sessions until lunchtime for those who need them.
Please feel free to call or message me, and we can find a time that works comfortably for you. My goal is to make arranging sessions as simple and stress-free as possible, so you can focus on the therapy itself.
Creating a space where you feel safe, supported, and free to speak openly is my top priority. You are welcome to share whatever you feel comfortable with, at your own pace, without any pressure or judgement.
I work face-to-face in my calm and comfortable therapy room in Berkhamsted, as well as online via Zoom or by telephone for those who prefer remote sessions. For clients who enjoy being outdoors, I also offer ‘walk and talk’ sessions, which work best during daylight hours.
No matter the setting, my focus is on helping you feel secure, heard, and supported, so that you can explore your thoughts and emotions with confidence.
I understand that life can be unpredictable, and sometimes appointments need to be changed. If you need to cancel, I kindly ask for at least 24 hours’ notice so we can reschedule your session without any charge.
If notice isn’t possible, the full session fee may apply, but usually we can find another time that works better for you. My goal is always to make the process as flexible and stress-free as possible, so you can focus on your therapy with peace of mind.
Your privacy and confidentiality are of the utmost importance to me. Everything you share in our sessions is held securely and treated with complete respect.
You can find full details in my privacy policy on this website, which explains confidentiality, any limits, and how your information is protected under GDPR. My terms and conditions are also available here or can be provided on request.
My aim is to create a safe, trustworthy space where you can feel completely secure in sharing your thoughts and feelings, knowing that your privacy is always respected.
