Lucy Theo

 I work in Private Practice on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, as I am based in the NHS on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the role of Psychological Therapist.

'MIND & BABY'-Perinatal Psychotherapy

Counselling for  Infertility , Pregnancy and the Postnatal Period, Loss in Pregnancy and Birth

My name is Lucy Theo ( MÂ鶹ԭ´´ Accred.) (UKRCP Reg.) (NCPS) and I am an experienced and accredited psychotherapist/ counsellor offering bespoke, individualised psychological support for issues including:

- Infertility and Assisted Pregnancy Support, support for multiple/twin pregnancy. 

-Support for the emotional and physical challenges of pregnancy, difficulties/discomfort in pregnancy.

-Perinatal anxiety and depression symptoms, low mood, feelings of ambivalence or negativity towards baby.

-Complex pregnancy, pregnancy loss, termination and the loss of a baby

-Preparation for the transition into Parenthood. Adjusting to relationship and identity changes, changes to lifestyle and Self.

-Psychological preparation for Labour, Fear of giving birth

-Support for life with a Newborn ( bonding, feeding, D-MER, reflux, behavioural and physical needs, transition from NICU)

- Attachment and Attention: How to understand the neuroscience around your baby's needs

-Recovery from a traumatic or difficult birth using effective psychological intervention approved under NICE guidelines. Birth Afterthoughts reflection sessions.

I am an accredited, experienced and supportive psychotherapist /counsellor working in the NHS and in private practice in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, and I offer remote sessions to clients from all over the UK. The talking therapy space I offer is welcoming, relaxed and confidential and fosters a feeling of emotional security, so that you will feel able to explore worries and concerns, both past and present and together we can discuss the link between events , thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Counselling can help to make sense of life difficulties, loss and change and create new ways to communicate in order to develop inner confidence, personal happiness and psychological balance. I have been supporting adults and young people through unique experiences of anxiety, relationship, family and body image difficulties, phobias and panic symptoms for the past 18 years in various settings such as a hospice, a family bereavement service,  as a school counsellor , with expectant and new parents in an ante-natal unit, with older adults in the community and for a nationwide charity. I am currently in post as a Psychological Therapist in the Counselling and Psychological Therapies for depression Service in Cardiff ( Cardiff & Vale UHB) 

My role as a therapist is to listen attentively and with commitment and care in order to 'see the world through your eyes' and create a sense of relational trust. My belief is that this then inspires greater psychological strength and personal equilibrium, and in turn the possibility to create new life choices, harness personal potential and a positive, meaningful existence  for every individual regardless of class, gender, age or sexuality.

How I Work

I work integratively with clients, which means incorporating a range and blend of theoretical ideas ( CBT, Humanistic, Psychodynamic, IPT, ACT, TA) to suit the personality,  needs and concerns of each individual in order to respect their unique experience and life story. I believe that the fundamental mechanism for change and choice, is not simply what is offered theoretically  by the therapist, but the way in which this is transmitted, by a positive therapeutic interchange, ultimately with kindness and curiosity.

Psychotherapy and counselling needn't simply be talking about difficult things at difficult times, but it also gives us the opportunity to strengthen our Thinking and Feeling 'Selves', as well as our Physical Self, and of course, the chance to explore the relationship between all three. Thankfully, society is now recognising the benefit of making time to talk and the value of strengthening our emotional health, just as we may visit a personal trainer or physiotherapist, and I am passionate about helping people to understand the How, What and Why of physical pain and illness and how this relates to and impacts our psychological health, especially in relation to current and past experience.

MIND & BABY

I support people in resolving past and current difficulties, life changes and challenges, troubling relationships, the effects of trauma , family conflicts, health difficulties, work pressures/stress and bereavement and loss. I work from a peaceful (baby-friendly)  self-contained consulting room in Bonvilston, near Culverhouse Cross, with ample free parking and ground floor access and offer a therapeutic non-judgemental  relationship based on empathy, understanding and trust.

Through supportive encouraging sessions you will gain the confidence and reassurance to appreciate life with your baby, and the journey into parenthood. This journey is a life-changing and unique one, and sometimes the challenges encountered along the way can provoke a mixture of emotions , some of which may be  hard to identify or make sense of. I integrate  various theoretical approaches to suit the needs of each individual, as thoughts and feelings may present themselves as purely parent/baby-related, or seem more generalised, even hard to define or express.

As an accredited member of Â鶹ԭ´´, and NCPS ( National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society) I subscribe to their codes of ethics and good practice. I am also a parent and believe passionately in combining the knowledge I have gained from both my professional and personal life in order to make my support  through 'Mind&Baby' uniquely supportive.

Approaching a stranger for support can feel daunting, but I always suggest a brief telephone conversation as a chance to connect in the first instance, and then an initial no-obligation consultation assessment where the opportunity to feel comfortable is established. 

I offer weekly or fortnightly sessions depending, and both short-term and longer term options for therapy are considered depending on individua need. Session times are flexible in order to accommodate lifestyle demands. I also offer sessions in conjunction with the Employee Assistance Programme.

My Bonvilston therapy room is situated in a private and peaceful rural setting surrounded by trees and spacious fields, and offers a convenient 'escape' from the bustle of the city, although is easily accessible , being only 8 minutes from Junction 33 of the M4 (Culverhouse Cross) and 10 minutes from Junction 34 of the M4.There is ample free parking and the entrance is on the ground floor of a self-contained building.

 ( I also specialise in Psychological Support for Pregnancy and the  Postnatal Period, Loss in Pregnancy and Birth, through my separate practice 'MIND&BABY' )

Are you trying for a baby, expecting, or have you just had a baby?

Perhaps you are recovering from a difficult pregnancy and/or birth, or want the opportunity to process and talk about your birth and your emotions as as you adjust?

You may be feeling isolated, vulnerable or recovering from the shock of pregnancy loss or losses, or the unthinkable loss of your baby.

Perhaps you are finding pregnancy psychologically and physically challenging, and need support to prepare for parenthood as it triggers feelings about other relationships or events in your life, your history or own childhood?

Are you feeling confused and overwhelmed, perhaps uncertain of what lies ahead or adapting to how life feel's now?