Chrissy Leyland

Perhaps you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed or low, struggling in a relationship, coping with difficult experiences from your past, or simply feeling stuck and unsure how to move forward. Whatever brings you to counselling, I offer a warm, compassionate and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly and feel heard. I work with a range of issues including anxiety, depression and low mood, intrusive thoughts, stress, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, bereavement and loss, trauma and the impact of abuse. I also specialise in counselling for vegans. You may be struggling with Vystopia – the distress that can come from being aware of animal suffering while living in a predominantly non-vegan world – or experiencing grief, anger, helplessness, isolation or difficulties in relationships with non-vegans. You may be experiencing activism burnout or simply finding it difficult to reconcile your values with the world around you. You don’t have to be seeking counselling specifically because of veganism. Sometimes it is simply important to know that your therapist understands and respects this significant part of who you are, so you don’t have to explain or defend your values in the therapy room. As an integrative counsellor, I don’t believe that one approach fits everyone. I draw on different approaches to suit your individual needs. Together we can explore what’s happening for you, understand patterns and experiences that may be affecting you, and find ways of responding to difficult thoughts and feelings with greater awareness and self-compassion.

I am a qualified Integrative Counsellor and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). My qualifications and training include: Postgraduate Diploma in Integrative Counselling Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling Skills Training in trauma-informed approaches Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Working therapeutically with trauma and the impact of abuse

I’m Chrissy, a qualified integrative counsellor and registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

At the heart of my approach is the therapeutic relationship. I aim to provide a space where you can feel safe, accepted and able to be yourself. I work collaboratively and at your pace, bringing warmth, empathy and curiosity rather than judgement.

Alongside my general counselling work, I have developed a particular specialism in supporting vegans. I’ve been vegan for nearly 40 years and understand from personal experience that living according to compassionate values can sometimes bring its own emotional challenges. Over the years I’ve been involved in vegan campaigning, animal activism and animal rescue, as well as raising a vegan child. This lived experience sits alongside my professional training and means that vegan clients can bring this part of themselves into therapy without having to explain why animals and veganism matter so deeply to them.

I have a Postgraduate Diploma in Integrative Counselling and a Certificate in Online and Telephone Counselling Skills. I am a registered member of the BACP and work within its ethical framework.

I offer online counselling to adults in the UK and Europe via Google Meet, with daytime and evening appointments available Monday to Thursday. I also offer a free 20-minute introductory session so that we can meet, talk briefly about what you’re looking for and see whether I might be the right counsellor for you.