Welcome to Lighthouse Counselling

I am a lighthouse rather than a lifeboat. I do not rescue, but instead help others to find their own way to shore.

Welcome, and thank you for visiting Lighthouse Counselling.

Are you struggling with an issue in your life that is preventing you from living your life in the way you want to? Maybe you are struggling to adapt to grief or loss, or you have experienced trauma, neglect or abuse that affects your everyday life. We all struggle with issues in our lives from time to time – it’s perfectly natural to reach out for support from a professional to help you through your struggles. You need to remember that it’s ok to not feel ok and it is better to cry and let your emotions out than keep them locked away and try to carry on.

Hi, I am Zivile and I provide humanistic counselling for adults and young people (14+) on a short or long term basis. I work in person from Upminster, but I can also work online or by telephone. I provide a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space for you to explore the difficulties you are facing in your life so you can understand yourself better and develop ways to make positive choices in your life. I can provide support for a range of issues you may be struggling with, and I work with anyone, regardless of background, gender, culture, or religion.

For a full list of issues that I can help with, please see my ‘About my Practice’ page.

About Me

I am a BACP registered counsellor with years of experience working with people with a range of issues, such as drug and alcohol addiction. I have also worked for an online bereavement charity, supporting clients through online workshops as well as working with children who have experience of ACE (Adverse Childhood Experience).

I was drawn to counselling through my own experiences – after working with a counsellor myself I realised how powerful counselling can be in helping people find their own way through their issues. This inspired me to train as a counsellor so I could offer the same support to the clients I work with.

As well as my interest in mental health, I am very passionate about my work with children. I am fortunate that I can use this interest and my knowledge in my role supporting children and young people’s mental health. I am a mental health champion through the children’s mental health charity, Place2Be. As such, I am responsible for taking action to raise awareness of mental health as well as challenging the stigma that goes with it.

My Qualifications

  • 200hr Yoga Teacher Training Diploma
  • NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace
  • NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health
  • Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
  • Postgraduate Certificate, Speech, Language and Communication Needs
  • NCFE Level 3 Diploma, Counselling Skills
  • NCFE Level 2 Diploma, Counselling Skills
  • Bachelor of Arts, Education Studies
  • Certificate in Online and Telephone counselling
  • Attachment Theory Diploma
  • Couples and Family Therapy Diploma

What is Counselling?

Counselling provides you with the opportunity to talk to a trained professional to explore and work through your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It is a safe and confidential space where you can express your feelings and thoughts without fear of judgment. The goal of counselling is to help you gain insight into your problems, identify patterns of behaviour, and develop strategies to cope with your difficulties. Through active listening, empathy, and guidance, I can support you in making positive changes in your life and achieving greater self-awareness, growth, and fulfilment. I help you find the answers from within so you can move towards greater independence.

Humanistic Counselling

Humanistic counselling emphasises the importance of personal growth, self-awareness, and self-acceptance. The focus is on you as a whole person, rather than just your problems or symptoms. As a humanistic counsellor, I believe that everyone has the capacity for self-awareness and positive change. Humanistic counselling often incorporates techniques such as active listening, empathy, and unconditional positive regard to help you gain insight and develop greater self-confidence and self-understanding, empowering you to take control of your life and reach your full potential.

How I work

We can work together in person from my private and comfortable consultation room in Upminster. We can also work together online, through an online video platform like Zoom or by telephone if you prefer.

I usually work with clients on a weekly basis, as I find that this provides the opportunity to make the best progress, but I am flexible and open to work with you on a basis that is convenient for you.

For more information about how Lighthouse Counselling in Upminster and online can help, please see myAbout my practice’ page.

Fees and Availability

Counselling sessions last 50 minutes, usually taking place on a weekly basis, and cost £45 per session. I also provide a limited number of spaces for those on low-income or for students; contact me to enquire about availability. Initial assessment appointments last around 30 minutes. Email me to enquire.

You can cancel a session (either face-to-face or online) by telephone, email or text message but will need to give at least 24 hours’ notice in order to avoid full payment of the session fee. A confirmation of receipt of the cancellation will be sent by return.

I am available for us to work together in the evenings from 5pm, on Monday to Saturday.

Please contact me for more information or to discuss availability.

Counselling sessions:

50 minutes, £45 per session.

Initial assessment:

30 minutes

I accept payment in cash, by

cheque or by bank transfer.

My Location

I have a private and comfortable consultation room in Upminster for us to work together in. It is located in my garden with its own access. There is on street parking available and it is easily accessed using public transport, only a 10 minute bus ride from Upminster train station. More precise location details will be provided when you arrange your first appointment.

As I am based in Upminster, I can work with clients from Dagenham, Ilford, Barking, Chigwell, Basildon, Purfleet, Dartford, Gravesend, Chelmsford and the surrounding areas.

Online or on the telephone, I can also work with clients from anywhere in the UK.

Get In Touch

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how physiotherapy works, or to arrange an initial assessment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of starting physiotherapy and whether I can help you. You can also call me on +07940795996 if you would prefer to leave a message or speak to me first.

All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential.