Experience Change with
Aurora Psychology Ltd
Welcome to Aurora Psychology Ltd, situated in the heart of Lancaster, UK.
At Aurora we are a team of clinical psychologists, psychotherapists and counsellors who aim to provide a safe space full of warmth and compassion, where you will not be judged but understood, no matter what it is you’re going through. We understand that life can feel very tricky at times, if not unbearable, however change is possible; life does not have to feel like this.
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We appreciate the courage it has taken you to make this first step in searching for someone who may be able to help you. At Aurora we specialise in psychological therapy for individuals who are experiencing anything from stress, relationship difficulties, depression, all forms of anxiety, to trauma, school, and difficulties adjusting and living with chronic physical health problems.
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Therapy involves getting to know you and your story. We then start to make sense of things at your pace, using therapy methods which are tailored to you. This will enable you to understand your difficulties, develop a new awareness of yourself, build new strategies to help you manage what life throws at you; and support you recognise you are more resilient than you realise.
Ultimately, at Aurora we hope to help you evolve, live with more contentment, and less pain.
About Therapy
Is it for me?
We believe anyone and everyone can benefit from psychological therapy. For some, they may not be experiencing any specific difficulty but wish to gain greater insight into themselves, their thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and develop as an individual. For others, distress may currently feel so overwhelming that they have lost all hope and sense of the world.
Regardless of your personal reasons for seeking help, therapy is likely to be a valuable experience.When else do you get a regular hour which is dedicated solely to you, whereby you can share and express anything you want without having to worry about anyone else?
Assessing whether now is the right time to embark on therapy is an important thing to consider, and something which we can help you with during your assessment session if you are unsure. It is always worth saying that you need to be willing to be open; open to yourself, open to new perspectives and ideas, and open to thoughts and feelings you may not expect.
You also need an awareness that you may feel worse before you feel better. This is because we may explore things which you have been bottling up or avoiding for years, and once brought to the surface these thoughts and feelings might feel overwhelming. However, you will not be alone, we will be walking alongside you, helping you make sense of things, tolerating them, and using them to help bring about change.
Difficulties Aurora Psychology Ltd Can Support You With:
Low mood/depression
Anxiety of all descriptions, including phobias, OCD
Low self-esteem/low self confidence/significant self-criticism
Trauma reactions from early life experiences or more recent events, PTSD
Relationship difficulties
Stress
Bereavement
School (11+ years)
Fostering and adoption (counsellor only)
Difficulties relating to physical health problems: adjustment to diagnoses, treatment, life changes, loss, pain, frustration, anger, body image, weight difficulties, end of life etc.
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Difficulties not seen:
Neuropsychology assessments: e.g. brain injury, dementia etc.
Assessment of educational and developmental needs/learning difficulties
Current alcohol and drug problems
Medico-legal assessments and reports
People being supported by NHS mental health services
Therapy Questions Answered
Why Clinical Psychology?
Clinical psychologists are experts in how the brain works and trained in a number of scientific evidence-based psychotherapies, which enable them to provide an approach which is tailored to the individual, integrated, and flexible. Ultimately this makes therapy more likely to be effective. They are able to work with complex presentations, fully helping the individual understand why they are experiencing the difficulties they are having in a supporting, non-judgmental, safe space, and then support them to bring about changes.
Clinical psychologists are also trained in consultancy, leadership, research, and in the NHS are used to working with a wide range of complex difficulties.Â
Clinical psychologists are registered with the HCPC, are fully insured, and have enhanced DBS checked status.
Why Counselling or Psychotherapy?
Counsellors and psychotherapists are trained to help you express your thoughts and feelings in a safe and contained way, and explore what comes up when you do. Using person-centred therapy, they listen and provide a non-judgmental space so you can feel heard and understood.Â
They are often also trained in further therapies in order to help you understand yourself better, and develop new ways of thinking and behaving.
Our psychotherapists are registered with the BACP, DBSÂ checked and fully insured.
How Long Does Therapy Last?
Therapy can continue for as long or short as you wish. During our initial session we will discuss the difficulties you are experiencing and the type of approach we may take, we can then think about how many sessions you may require.
We usually work in blocks of six sessions to ensure that we regularly review progress and anything we may wish to alter, e.g. the approach, frequency of sessions.
Types of Therapy
Clinical psychologists are trained in various approaches which means we can tailor therapy to you, depending on your difficulties and hopes from therapy.
Dr Sarah Baxter and Dr Marie Winterson predominately use preferred approaches such as Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT), EMDR (eye movement desensitisation reprocessing), schema therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), however as an integrative therapist they adopt methods from various therapies. These include, CBT, person-centred therapy, and motivational interviewing.
Sara Witter, counselling psychotherapist works primarily using a humanistic person-centred approach, whilst integrating CBT, Psychodynamic Therapy, Somatic Therapy and Mindfulness. Lee Richards, counselllor, works in a similar way to Sara but is also an experienced EMDR therapist.
What to Expect
In order to get the most out of therapy it involves effort, honesty, openness, and dedication.
During sessions we will talk about the difficulties you are experiencing and we will ask questions about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. We may use metaphors to aid our thinking and learning, we may use a whiteboard to draw ideas or timelines, and we may practice relaxation strategies together.
Commitment is required outside of sessions too; it is important to spend time reflecting and practicing new techniques.
Therapist's Availability
Dr Sarah Baxter, Clinical Psychologist - Mondays, Tuesdays & Fridays.
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Dr Marie Winterson, Clinical Psychologist - Friday evenings.
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Sara Witter - Counselling Psychotherapist - Thursday.
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Lee Richards - Counsellor - Tuesday evenings.
Frequently Asked Questions
All the Answers You Seek, In One Place.
If The Answer Isn't Here, Please Get In Touch.
How Do I Make An Appointment?
If you would like to make an appointment please either use the 'Contact Us' page, send an email or phone/text, and we will be in contact to arrange an initial appointment with one of our team.Â
Our first 30 minute consultation is free; we can meet face-to-face, virtually, or speak over the phone to discuss what you would like support with and whether we can help.
Is The Service Confidential?
Client confidentiality is at the heart of everything we do. In most circumstances, everything discussed between you and the therapist is kept private, unless consent is gained from you first. However, there may be occasions when it is necessary for us to share information with others, i.e. your GP. For instance, if we believe you or others are at risk of harm. This is so we can do everything possible to keep you/others safe.
What Is The Cost Of A Session?
50 minute sessions with Clinical Psychologists are charged at £95.
50 minute sessions with Counselling Psychotherapist are charged at £65.
Therapy sessions are priced due to the work which is involved both in and out of sessions. During sessions you will be supported by someone highly qualified, skilled and experienced. Outside of sessions, the therapist will spend time thinking about your difficulties, how to help, preparing resources, writing out formulations, liaising with other professionals (i.e. GP), and possibly writing letters and reports if needed (extra charge possible). It is also mandatory for clinical psychologists and psychotherapists to undertake regular private supervision and so preparation for this is also factored in.
Where Are Sessions Held?
Sessions are held at the wonderful Re:Set Wellness Centre, where we have a dedicated confidential therapy room where social distancing is possible.
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Re:Set also offers float therapy which has been shown to have many great benefits for your mental and physical health. Please find out more on their website.
Where Can I Park?
Parking can be found either opposite the Re:Set Wellness Centre at a Pay & Display, or there is two hours free parking at The Retail Park (Currys PC World, B&M etc.) off Bulk Road. We are then a minutes walk away.
What Happens When I Arrive?
When you arrive at the Re:Set Wellness Centre you will be shown to the waiting area; we will meet you there and then show you to the therapy room.
Please note: unfortunately the room is only accessible via stairs.
You may be asked to complete a couple of forms and questionnaires about yourself and how you have been feeling recently.
What Do I Do In A Crisis?
If you or anyone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide please seek support from your GP.Â
If there is an immediate danger to life please call 999 or go to A&E where you will be supported.Â
Samaritans are always available to listen and support, they can be contacted for free on 116 123.
Aurora Psychology Ltd is not a crisis service.
Do You Offer Concessions?
Concessions may be available depending on your circumstances. Please get in contact if you wish to discuss this.
What If I Need To Cancel My Appointment?
If you need to cancel your appointment please let us know as soon as possible.Â
Cancellations of less than 48Â hours notice and non-attended appointments will be charged at the full rate, unless under exceptional circumstances.
Free Initial Consultation
Taking the first step is often the hardest, especially when you don't know what to expect. That's why we offer a 30 minute initial consultation, face-to-face, virtually or on the phone, free of charge, with no obligation. We can briefly discuss what you would like support with and whether we think we can help. If you decide to continue then sessions thereafter will last 50mins.
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Please email or leave a voicemail to arrange.
Clinical Psychologist appointments are available on Monday's, Tuesday's and Friday's (day and evening); after the initial consultation therapy session's are priced at £95.
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Psychotherapist and counselling appointments are available on Tuesday evenings, and Thursday's; after the initial consultation are priced at £65.
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Contact Us
Please Get In Contact Via Email Or Telephone If You Have Any Questions
Or If You Would Like To Discuss Something Before Booking Your Assessment Session.
07956536308
