Lesley Papper, BACP

Lesley Papper is a counsellor with nine years' experience who helps people manage stress, anxiety, grief, depression and a wide range of life difficulties. She works with issues such as relationship concerns, eating problems, addiction, trauma and abuse, sleeping difficulties, anger and self-esteem. Lesley also supports people facing long-term health challenges, chronic pain or disability and those coping with cancer or caregiver strain.

She offers a calm, accepting space where people can talk about what feels difficult. Lesley believes people already have strengths and resources, and she helps them find healthier ways of coping. Sessions can look at what is happening now and where patterns may have started, depending on what the person wants to do.

Lesley uses a range of approaches so therapy is tailored to each person. She aims to work collaboratively on immediate concerns and longer-term goals. The focus is on building resilience, practical structure and kinder self-care habits that fit day-to-day life.

Her work has included supporting people living with grief, low mood, addiction and eating disorders. She has experience with clients who have hidden disabilities and neurodiverse needs, and with the emotional effects of living in a world designed for neurotypical people.

Lesley is a registered member of the British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists, BACP. She offers short-term or longer-term therapy and moves at the clients pace, guided by the individual's agenda and goals.

How Lesley uses different approaches online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping people notice their thoughts and feelings without being driven by them, while identifying personal values to guide practical steps forward. It can help with anxiety, depression and ongoing health-related challenges. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviours and uses practical exercises to change patterns that maintain distress. It is often helpful for anxiety, low mood and sleeping problems. Client-Centred Therapy prioritises a non-judgemental therapeutic relationship where the persons own agenda leads the work and self-acceptance is encouraged.

Finding the right approach can take a few sessions. Lesley will work with the client to decide what fits best based on their goals, current challenges and preferences. That decision is a collaborative process and may change as therapy progresses.

The biography does not list specific online formats, so please confirm available session types before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Some people find video useful for face-to-face feeling, while others prefer audio for less screen time; discussing practical options helps match sessions to everyday life.