My name is Lesley Strabel and I am the founder of Aspirations Counselling Services. I am a compassionate counsellor who strives to understand ‘your world’. I can help you explore your difficulties, and then help you acquire the new perspectives and skills you need to overcome them and achieve your aspirations.

As a fully qualified counsellor, I am here to listen, providing you with a warm, safe, and confidential environment in which to explore your issues. I have worked in a variety of settings before entering into private practice.

I have previously worked as a volunteer counsellor with Churches Counselling Service Wales. I have also worked as a sessional counsellor for Cardiff Mind and 2 Wish Upon a Star.

My experience with the varied group of clients within the third sector means I am able to offer you a variety of approaches to therapy that can be adapted to meet your needs.

My core approach to counselling is primarily person-centred, but I also integrate a variety of therapeutic interventions as and when required to enable me to provide you with a unique counselling experience. I strive to provide you with a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space in which to explore your concerns constructively, while being supported as you strive to make the changes you desire.

My Qualifications

I have achieved a Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling, and a Foundation Degree in the same (Cardiff and Vale College), accredited by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy.

I also hold a BSc in Psychology (Open University) accredited by the British Psychological Society, a Postgraduate Diploma in Child Development (Open University) and a Diploma in Mindfulness (Centre of Excellence)

Employment Assistance Program (EAP)

I provide counselling for EAP providers Care First, Healthcare RM, Workplace Options, and Optum.

Professional Membership

I am an accredited and registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and, as such, adhere to their Ethical Framework and Professional Conducts Procedure.

Being a BACP Accredited Counsellor means that my practice ‘has been deemed to meet our higher standard as a competent, ethical and independent practitioner’ (BACP)

The Ethical Framework provides guidance on ethical practice, confidentiality, supervision and resolving client complaints. For further information regarding the Ethical Framework please click here.