Lesley Cooke

Do you notice repeating patterns in your relationships leaving you feeling confused, stuck, or frustrated? I can help you make sense of unconscious behaviours so you can respond and feel empowered. I work with individuals, couples, and young people aged 10 and above.

About me

Hello, I’m Lesley. 

I have worked as a counsellor for 24 years and hold a particular interest in attachment trauma and how trauma impacts the nervous system. I understand how coping behaviours develop in response to early experiences, and how these can shape the relationships and challenges we face later in life.

Therapy works best when you feel safe, understood, and able to build a trusting relationship with your counsellor. I aim to create a warm and supportive space where we can explore your experiences and make sense of what may feel complex or overwhelming and we can begin to make sense of your difficulties.

Some of the issues I can support you with include:

• attachment and developmental trauma
• anxiety and depression
• grief and loss
• relationship difficulties
• abandonment and rejection
• neurodivergence
• adoption and fostering
• work, employment, and financial stress

I have work-based training in attachment trauma and understand that trauma is often not just what happened, but what was missing at important times. I can support you to develop greater self-compassion and more supportive ways of relating to yourself and others.

I also have extensive experience as a therapeutic social worker in fostering and adoption, supporting adopted adults, children, and their families.

If you’re looking for a compassionate and experienced therapist, please get in touch and we can chat through a free consultation appointment.

Qualifications & experience

• 24 years experience as a counsellor
  
• Diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling
• Registered member of ISPC (International Society of Psychotherapy and Counselling.)
• Postgraduate qualification with the University of Hull on Relationship and Family Therapy
• Trained through Relate and worked there between 2009 and 2025
• Additional CPD training with Terry Real (Relational Life Foundation), Bruce Muzik, Love at First Fight, and The Conflict Cure