Vanessa Lorkins

Hello, I’m Vanessa. You may be used to being the capable one: the person who notices what needs doing, keeps everyone else going, and rarely asks for much. Perhaps you look as though you’re coping, while feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or exhausted underneath. You might struggle to say no, feel responsible for other people’s feelings, or worry that having needs makes you “too much”. You may be beginning to wonder where you fit in the life you work so hard to hold together. There is room for you here, too. A little about me I’m a neuro-spicy creative, and I’m familiar with the pressure to do too much for everyone else while losing sight of myself. I know how hard it can be to mask, support loved ones in crisis, navigate abuse, or feel that you always have to be “on”. I also know the relief of putting some of that burden down. My experiences inform my care for this work, but I will not assume that your story is the same as mine. I want to understand what life feels like for you. What we can explore together I work with adults experiencing people-pleasing, over-functioning, burnout, anxiety, difficult boundaries, and recurring relationship patterns. I welcome neurodivergent adults, including people exploring whether neurodivergence may help explain their experiences. I also welcome enquiries from people who have experienced complex trauma, including those diagnosed with CPTSD or wondering whether it may help make sense of what they are experiencing. We can discuss what you need and whether the support I offer is appropriate for you. You do not need a diagnosis, the right words, or a clear plan before getting in touch. How I work My approach is humanistic and based on Transactional Analysis, often shortened to TA. It offers ways of exploring how familiar messages, expectations, and patterns shape our relationships with ourselves and other people. That might mean noticing how quickly you say yes before considering what you want, why rest feels difficult, or what happens inside when someone seems disappointed in you. Together, we can explore how these responses developed, what they have helped you manage, and whether they still fit your life now. This is not about blaming your past or finding something wrong with you. It is about understanding yourself and making more room for choice. My style is warm, curious, non-judgmental, and gently challenging when helpful. I bring questions, observations, and ideas, but you can tell me when something does not fit. You do not have to agree with me, impress me, or make progress on demand. We will agree what you would like from counselling and return to that as our work develops. You do not have to know the answer at the beginning. Finding out can be part of the work. Practical information I offer individual online counselling to adults across the UK. Sessions last 50 minutes and cost £60. A limited number of concession places are available at £54 per session for students and people on a low income. I offer some early-morning and evening appointments. Before booking counselling, you can arrange a free, no-obligation introductory call of around 20–30 minutes. This gives you an opportunity to ask questions, tell me a little about what you are looking for, and consider whether working together feels right. I am a qualified counsellor, training towards becoming a Certified Transactional Analyst. I work within the BACP Ethical Framework and receive regular clinical supervision. You are welcome to get in touch. I aim to respond to enquiries within two working days.