About me

I’m Lucy and Ply is my psychotherapy practice.

I’m a psychotherapeutic counsellor who works in a ‘relational’ way - meaning that my sessions offer space to explore what’s going on for you, be understood and validated. I walk alongside you, offering compassionate and practical support around the issues you’re facing.

My approach is warm, steady and collaborative. Therapy with me is a space for tricky feelings, complicated ideas, tears, fears and even laughter. I like working with people and find therapy to offer a space for exploring our experiences and navigating change which is unlike any other relationship in our lives. I know this can feel like such a relief when we’re feeling stuck or alone facing long-term issues or recent challenges.

I am not a ‘blank slate’ therapist, and I won’t overload you with tips, tricks or homework, but I do give you space and will share therapeutic tools and approaches if I feel they’re relevant. You can take what’s helpful from this and leave what isn’t - this helps me tailor my approach to your needs and I always appreciate feedback.

How I work

I am trained in Transactional Analysis (TA), a therapeutic approach which brings clarity to how our relationships and experiences shape our day-to-day lives, and which supports a path of healing and change which is unique to you.

TA offers a clear and compassionate framework for understanding how we relate to ourselves and others. It can help with identifying unhelpful patterns, make sense of our emotional responses, and develop new ways of being that feel more aligned to who we actually are and empower our movements towards our most authentic expression. I like how accessible TA theory is and sometimes bring it into our sessions if I think it might be useful.

Through this, I offer:

  • A steady, confidential space to explore issues, concerns, changes

  • A relational approach centred around safety, trust and collaboration

  • Trauma-informed practice, specialising in the impact of long-term relational trauma

  • Short or long-term therapy, depending on your needs

Why Ply?

I have always been a creative person and appreciate the process and inventiveness of repairing, bodging, or creating something from nothing.

The phrase ‘to ply one’s craft’ is used to describe how we apply our learning and experience to work steadily with skill and dexterity in the creation of something new. For me, this sums up the therapeutic process in the careful and collaborative work my clients and I carry out to create new perspectives and experiences, and heal and release what no longer serve them.

On its own the word ‘ply’ refers to layers of material, and I think this also captures something of what it is to be human. We are, and should be, complex beings with many layers. However, sometimes these layers of experience come at us thick and fast and are difficult, unjust or traumatic. Talk therapy allows us to slow down and revisit these layers in a safe place with the support of a qualified professional so that we can integrate or just make more sense of these trickier parts of our life story.

Asking for help is nothing to be ashamed of and I don’t think we are meant to resolve everything we experience on our own. If you would like to talk through how Ply could support you, please get in touch.

My Experience

I am a registered member with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) with a Certificate Award in Psychotherapeutic Counselling (Transactional Analysis). I trained with the South Manchester Centre for Psychotherapy.

I’ve worked with a wide range of people, including:

  • people experiencing anxiety, depression and challenges to emotional regulation

  • those navigating relationship and employment issues

  • young adults and educators

  • members of the LGBTQ+ community

  • artists and creatives

  • men in rehabilitation and probation services

  • people with a recent neurodiversity diagnosis

I hold awareness for how our gender, sexuality, race, class, beliefs, neurodiversity and education impact our journey and identity. I am trans-inclusive and neuro-affirming. I have extensive experience working in education, creative and community settings where I have always held an appreciation for our similarities and differences. I aim to bring this appreciation, and celebration, of our humanness to my psychotherapy practice.

Get in touch

You can ask questions or contact me about arranging an initial session here.