Coastal Counselling Whitstable
Liz Norris Dip Couns MBACP
Therapeutic Integrative Counsellor
COUNSELLING IN WHITSTABLE, KENT AND ONLINE
Welcome to Coastal Counselling Whitstable
Supportive steps to a brighter tomorrow
Our past experiences can shape how we feel, relate to others, and cope with everyday life, while present challenges or worries about the future can sometimes feel overwhelming. You may be feeling stuck, lost, or unsure about who you are or where you’re headed. Perhaps you’re struggling with difficult emotions, noticing unhelpful patterns in your relationships, or feeling disconnected from yourself. You might be wanting to build self-esteem, set healthier boundaries, or communicate more openly and confidently.
Life can feel heavy at times—through persistent stress, low mood, overthinking, or a sense of being stuck. If you’re finding it hard to make sense of your feelings or see a way forward, you don’t have to do it alone. Therapy isn’t only for times of crisis, and you don’t need to be at breaking point to seek support. You’re not broken. It's important to remember that no issue is too small to discuss. Your mental and emotional well-being is just as important as anyone else's.
Coastal Counselling offers a calm, compassionate space where you can explore what’s happening for you in the present, while gently acknowledging how past experiences may be shaping your feelings and responses. Here you will find a safe and supportive space for reflection, growth, and positive change, guided at a pace that feels right for you.
About Me
Liz Norris Dip. Couns MBACP
Therapeutic Integrative Counsellor
Hello, I’m Liz, a qualified integrative counsellor and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), which means I adhere to their professional and ethical standards.
I offer a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental space where you can speak openly, feel truly heard, and explore your thoughts and feelings with total acceptance. I work with people experiencing anxiety, stress, and other challenges that can make everyday life feel overwhelming. Whether you’re struggling with relationship issues, navigating change or loss, or wanting to understand yourself better and grow, I’m here to support you in finding a way forward that feels right for you.
Together, we will explore your experiences and develop practical, personalised strategies to support you in feeling more balanced, hopeful, and understood, leading to greater resilience, self-understanding and inner peace.
Key Details:
- DBS Check: Fully certified and hold an enhanced DBS
- Insurance: Fully insured for professional practice
- Professional Membership: British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP)
Working With Me
As a qualified integrative counsellor, I draw on a wide range of therapeutic approaches including Humanistic, Person-Centred, Gestalt, Psychodynamic, Transactional Analysis (TA), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Somatic approaches alongside additional practices such as Mindfulness-Based interventions, Attachment-Based Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and trauma-informed practice. This means I can tailor my approach to meet your unique needs, combining elements from different therapies to support you in the most effective way. Together, we'll explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a safe and non-judgemental space, aiming to increase your self-awareness and promote lasting positive change, focusing on your growth and wellbeing.
Everyone is unique, and I believe counselling works best when it reflects who you are and what you need.
I also work creatively, using tools such as art, writing, imagery, cards, Russian dolls, nature-inspired objects, and guided exercises—always led by what feels right for you. Creative approaches can help access feelings that are difficult to put into words, offer new perspectives, reduce stress, and explore experiences in ways that suit your individual learning and processing style. This might include drawing or collage, journalling or storytelling, working with symbols or miniatures, body-based or sensory awareness, gentle visualisation, or using natural materials and metaphors such as seasons, growth, or cycles. These methods can support reflection, self-understanding, and emotional expression in a way that feels contained and meaningful. My work is client-directed, meaning we focus on what you need and move at a pace that feels safe and supportive for you.
My Therapy Space
I have experience supporting people through a wide range of experiences, including:
Anxiety, including health or general worry
Stress and overwhelm
Feelings of guilt or shame
Identity and self-acceptance
Perfectionism or pressure to succeed
Coping with isolation or loneliness
Emotional exhaustion or compassion fatigue
Coping with chronic illness or disability
Managing uncertainty or fear of the future
Low mood or feeling stuck
Grief, loss, and bereavement
Family and relationship difficulties
Coping with change or major life transitions
Trauma and past experiences
Low self-esteem and self-worth
Self-discovery, personal growth, and life purpose
Parenting challenges
“When life feels heavy, it can help to pause and be heard. I offer a safe, caring space where you can explore your experiences and make sense of your feelings, bringing you home to yourself, helping you find clarity, calm and inner peace.”
Liz Norris, MBACP
I see the relationship between us as central to the healing process, and I aim to create a space where you feel truly heard, understood, and accepted. Together, we can explore the challenges you’re facing, support your personal growth, and create positive change, helping you feel more empowered and in control of your life.
I provide a safe, comfortable, and supportive space where you can be yourself, free from judgment. With empathy and understanding, I work alongside you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, helping you uncover insights and find solutions that feel right for you, helping you find your own path forward.
My aim is to empower you with the tools and insights to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and resilience. Whether you’re facing anxiety, low mood, or simply want to gain a clearer understanding of yourself, I’m here to offer support, guidance, and a compassionate listening ear.
How I Work
I provide individual counselling for young people and adults from 18 years of age.
I offer counselling that is flexible and tailored to your individual needs and circumstances. You can choose from face-to-face sessions, online via video or phone calls or walk and talk therapy or a combination of all these. Support can be short-term (6-12 weeks) or open-ended, depending on what feels right for you. Sessions typically last 50 minutes and can be scheduled weekly or fortnightly, allowing us to work together at a pace that suits you and your life.
Face to Face Counselling
My designated private therapy space is a log cabin set within my garden, offering a peaceful and private environment where you can feel safe to pause and reflect. This is where I work with clients for face-to-face counselling sessions, providing a supportive and confidential space to explore your thoughts, emotions and experiences openly. Find out more here.
Online Counselling via Video or Phone call
I offer online counselling sessions via a secure video platform or telephone calls, giving you the flexibility to attend from wherever feels most comfortable—whether that’s from home or another safe space. This can be particularly helpful if you have a busy schedule, mobility challenges, or prefer the privacy and convenience of remote sessions.
Walk and Talk Therapy
This approach combines the benefits of nature, movement, and therapy to help you regulate your nervous system and increase mindfulness. Being outdoors can reduce stress, lift mood and create a sense of ease, making it easier to explore your thoughts and emotions.
Walk and talk therapy is especially helpful for those who feel anxious in traditional therapy settings, find eye contact difficult, or need a way to release excess energy while processing their experiences.
My Location
I work from a quiet, comfortable log cabin in my garden located near Tankerton Slopes and the seafront in Whitstable. The log cabin is accessed via a private side passage, providing a discreet and welcoming space where therapy sessions can begin in comfort and privacy.
My therapy space is easily accessible by car, with free ample parking available outside on the road and surrounding roads. It's also just a short walk from the Chestfield and Swalecliffe train station and is well-served by main bus routes.
Please note that there is one step leading up to my therapy room. If you have any specific accessibility needs, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I'll do my best to accommodate your requirements or suggest alternative arrangements.
Full address and directions will be provided once we arrange your first appointment.
Sessions and Fees
Each therapy session lasts 50 minutes and is usually held weekly, with a standard rate of £50 per session if paid weekly. If you'd prefer to pay monthly in advance, the cost is £45 per session.
I understand that financial constraints can be a concern for some, so to make therapy more affordable, I also offer the option of fortnightly sessions. My aim is to make counselling more accessible and ensure you receive the support you need.
I also offer a limited number of concessionary spaces and discounted rates for students. If this applies to you, please feel free to discuss it with me before we start.
The session fee remains the same whether we meet in-person at my Whitstable therapy room, online, or for walk-and-talk therapy.
Payment can be made via bank transfer before your session or in cash at the time of your appointment, unless we've agreed on another arrangement. Payment details will be provided once you decide to proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Counselling, therapy, and psychotherapy are often used interchangeably to describe a confidential, supportive process where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with a trained professional. This collaborative relationship aims to help you understand yourself better, gain new perspectives, and develop coping strategies to overcome challenges and achieve your goals. Through a non-judgmental and empathetic approach, I can help you navigate life's difficulties and work towards positive change.
Counselling can help with anything that's on your mind. No issue is too big or too small – if it's bothering you, it's worth exploring. I'll provide a supportive space to discuss whatever's important to you. While counselling can be beneficial for a wide range of concerns, there may be rare instances where I believe you might benefit from additional or alternative support. If that's the case, we'll discuss it together and work collaboratively to explore options and find the best fit for your needs. My goal is to offer the best possible support tailored to you, and I'm committed to finding the right resources with you.
The length of counselling varies depending on individual needs. Some people benefit from short-term support (6 weeks or more) for specific issues, while others prefer longer-term therapy. Typically, we begin with six sessions and then assess progress and next steps. Through regular reviews of our work together, we'll track your progress and make any necessary adjustments to ensure we're working effectively towards your goals.
Yes. Everything discussed in our sessions is confidential. The only exceptions are if I believe you're at risk of harm to yourself or others, or if I'm legally required to disclose information. If this situation ever arises, I'll aim to discuss this with your beforehand.
Yes I keep brief notes afterwards to help me remember key points. These notes are minimal, stored securely, and kept confidential in accordance with GDPR legislation. They're for my professional use only and never shared with others. You're welcome to request access to your notes at any time.
For more information about the Counselling Process please click here.
Taking the First Steps Together
Are you ready to talk?
Starting therapy can bring a mix of emotions—nervousness, uncertainty, or even relief. We’ll take it one step at a time. Our first focus will be on building a trusting relationship, where I get to know you, your goals, and the challenges you’re facing.
As we work together, I’ll support and guide you in exploring different areas of your life, always moving at a pace that feels comfortable, especially when discussing difficult topics. You can expect honesty, compassion, and a non-judgmental space. If strong emotions arise, we’ll face them together, and I’ll help you navigate them safely.
We’ll regularly review your progress, adjust goals as needed, and celebrate your achievements along the way. Together, we’ll find your rhythm and create a supportive environment for growth, understanding, and healing.
Get in touch
Please feel free to contact me via the online contact form, or phone me on 07842842584 if you have any queries or questions about how counselling works, or to arrange an initial assessment appointment. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
I know that reaching out can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming, so please contact me in whichever way feels easiest and most comfortable for you. There’s no pressure—just a kind, supportive space to begin. Together, we’ll take it one step at a time.
All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours, and all contact is strictly confidential and uses secure phone and email services.