Lesley Kidson
Counselling-Retreats–Workshops
My name is Lesley Kidson and I am a registered counsellor, retreat and group facilitator and educator.
I have been working in counselling for over 15 years and have extensive experience in cancer counselling (particularly breast cancer), facilitating support groups and educational workshops.
I regularly provide counselling and support for both individuals and couples with concerns relating to a cancer diagnosis such as anxiety, depression, stress, loss and grief, relationship issues, body image and sexuality. I work holistically with a person-centered approach to help explore a client’s present situation and work towards making positive changes.
In addition to my private practice, I provide Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) counselling and support, consultancy, and training in a variety of large private and public organisations.
Outside of work, most of my time is spent with my beautiful family and friends.
I also enjoy walking/running, photography, travelling and spending time at the beach – it is my happy place!
So what inspired me to become a counsellor?
Before becoming a counsellor, I was a hairdresser. I often say my hairdressing years were great preparation to help shape me into a counsellor, because I had the opportunity to meet and listen to many people and hear their stories. This led me to want to be able to help people feel better about themselves in a different way.
As a counsellor my long involvement with families and relationships, both personally and professionally, has taught me much about the struggles and challenges we all face at different stages of life. Breast cancer has touched some of my nearest and dearest in very profound and personal ways and this impacted me and drove me towards counselling those affected by cancer.
Counselling has added an important and meaningful dimension to my life. I feel privileged to be able to work with people in the way I do.
As well as private practice, I have worked with Lifeline, Wesley Mission and BreastScreen, providing counselling and support to people who would otherwise slip through the cracks. This has been satisfying and important work.
I have a Bachelor of Counselling from the University of New England and I am a clinical member of Australian Counselling Association (ACA), National Australian Loss and Grief Association (NALAG), Cancer Counselling Professionals (CCP) and Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (ARCAP).
I have experience in online counselling (video and audio calls), so if you are travelling interstate or overseas, unable to leave home, time poor or living in rural/regional areas, you can still access the help and support you deserve in the privacy of your own space.
My highest priorities are providing a safe, supportive and confidential environment where we build trust together. My brave clients continually inspire me as I watch them grow in confidence and resilience.
I work with sensitivity, empathy, humour and compassion and I am committed to helping people (just like you) who experience difficulties at some stage in life that can affect our well-being to create a ‘new normal’ in order to live an authentic, happy and purposeful life.
Counselling can give you an opportunity to talk about any challenges that may arise or for dealing with ongoing and unresolved issues, in a respectful and supportive environment. Counselling can provide you with an opportunity to tell your unique story to someone outside of the issue.