Lauren Askins -​

Hello, my name is Lauren. I am a BACP registered counsellor and clinical supervisor with over 10 years’ experience supporting children, young people and adults. I offer individual counselling sessions in person and online, as well as play-based therapeutic sessions for younger children.

My Background and Experience

I began my counselling career in 2015 as a school counsellor with Place2Be, working in a primary school setting to provide individual counselling and group work. Since 2018, I have worked for a Bradford based charity, delivering counselling across primary and secondary schools, within the community, and online. Through my work with children and young people, I have developed a strong understanding of the complex challenges young people face in today’s world. These challenges might include social media, puberty and relationships, self-esteem or self-harm. Counselling can provide a supportive space to help young people make sense of what they are experiencing, develop coping strategies, and build emotional resilience during difficult or transitional times.

How I Work
My core approach is person centred, meaning I work at the pace of the individual and place great importance on building a safe, trusting therapeutic relationship. I also draw on attachment theory, play therapy and solution focused approaches, adapting my work to best meet each young person’s needs. I regularly incorporate creative and playbased methods into sessions. These approaches can be particularly helpful for children and young people who may find it difficult to express themselves verbally, allowing them to process feelings and experiences in ways that feelmore natural and accessible.
I work in a nondirective and confidential way, offering a therapeutic space where young people can explore emotions safely — including those that may be unconscious or difficult to understand. Through the therapeutic relationship and the use of resources in the room, children and young people are gently supported to gain new perspectives, develop inner strength, and improve overall wellbeing.
An initial consultation allows us to discuss your young person’s needs and consider how we might work together.

Bereavement and Loss

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I have extensive experience supporting bereaved children, young people and adults. This includes work with sudden death, suicide, and sibling loss, both within school settings and through my role at Cruse Bereavement. I continue to undertake specialist bereavement training to ensure my work in this area remains sensitive, informed and ethical.

What You Can Expect

My work is warm, relational and tailored to the individual. Sessions provide a calm and supportive space to explore emotions safely, at a pace that feels right for the young person attending therapy. Sessions are regularly reviewed, ensuring the work continues to meet the young person’s needs. When working with younger children, I offer interim and end of therapy reviews with a parent or guardian. These conversations focus on anything helpful to share, always with the young person’s consent.

Professional Standards

I am committed to ongoing professional development and regularly attend training to
enhance my skills and knowledge. I also receive clinical supervision to support ethical
practice and maintain my professional wellbeing.

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