Lorraine Green is an integrative psychotherapist in East London and Brighton 


What attracted you to become a therapist?

People have always seemed comfortable confiding in me and sharing their inner feelings. I started to feel that I wanted to help more constructively and decided to train as a therapist. I have a degree in psychology so I have a history of wanting to understand human nature. Being a therapist probably satisfies my curiosity about people.


Where did you train? 

I trained at UEL. I did a PgDip in counselling and psychotherapy. More recently I’ve become increasingly interested in wanting to understand the dynamics of families and recently did further training in systemic family and couples therapy at CNWL NHS foundation trust.


What sort of people do you usually see?

It may sound clichéd but my clients range from all walks of life. They are quite diverse in nationality, age, sexuality; reflecting the multi-cultural nature of London. 


What do you like about being a therapist?

I like the variety and diverse nature of the work. No two clients are the same. It is interesting and sometimes challenging work. But, it is also rewarding when you see the positive difference therapy can make to someone’s emotional wellbeing and mental health. In truth, I think I also like playing detective: helping clients identify their feelings and the unconscious drivers or patterns which might be perpetuating them.


What is less pleasant?

It can be a solitary job. Although I work at a practice where there are other therapists, essentially you are working on your own. However, I do regularly meet with up other therapist friends for support. 


How long you’ve been with welldoing.org and what you think of us?

I’ve been with welldoing.org for over a year. It’s a great directory and carries a wide range of therapists from different theoretical backgrounds offering great choice for clients. The website is also full of informative and helpful articles which provides good support for people who initially just want more information about mental health topics.


Have you used the booking and payment system? And how do you find that?

I have not used the booking and payment system yet.


Have you joined the welldoing.org Therapist Community on Facebook? If so, how did you find it?

No, but it’s something I will look into, as I think it’s extremely beneficial if therapists are able to support each other.


Do you ever suggest books or apps to clients?

Yes I do occasionally suggest books or apps to clients as part of their psycho-education and learning. Headspace is a great app to aid mindful practice and the ‘Body Keeps the Score’ by Bessel Van der Kolk, is accessible and informative book for clients healing from a range of different traumas.


What you do for your own mental health? 

Drawing is what I do to create a mental break from my client work. It is like a form of mediation, as I’m concentrating so hard on lines, shadows and shapes that everything else fades into the background. I also take holidays! Getting away from the ‘everyday’ really helps to relieve the stress, refresh my thinking and renews energy levels.


You see clients in London and Brighton. What can you share about seeing clients in those areas?

I see clients in Shoreditch, in London, and Brighton. Although London and Brighton are often talked about as being very similar in profile, I find the clients based in these locations are completely different. The clientele in London is definitely a more international crowd!


What’s your consultation room like?

My room is warm and inviting, with lots of colour and natural light. I think it’s important clients feel comfortable and relaxed in the therapy space.


What do you wish people knew about therapy?

Therapy really can make a difference to managing mental health issues and facilitate self-awareness, healing and change. However it also requires commitment on the part of the client if change is to happen. For truly effective results it does require a bit of effort and a willingness to explore inner feelings one might be trying to avoid dealing with.


What did you learn about yourself in therapy?

It might sound paradoxical, but I learnt that I can’t fix people. What I mean is, ultimately only the client can change themselves, my work is about creating the right environment and support systems to facilitate change.