Mum and daughter team launch new counselling service
Launched earlier this month in The Old Printing Works, Tarrant Street, Lane Counselling is ironically located next to a bridal shop, but daughter, Charlotte Lane, said this was not intentional.
“In some ways it’s nice. We’ve helped couples through their difficulties, who then might be here one minute and down in the bridle shop the next,” said Charlotte.
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Hide AdOffering a range of support from relationships and family discord to depression and bereavement, the duo believe it is crucial for a counsellor to have experienced many of these hardships in order to help others.
Her mother, Caroline Lane, said: “I don’t think you can become a counsellor until you’ve had life experience.
“The whole point of it is to be able to look at someone from a clear set of eyes and, through your life experiences, grasp a concept of where they are. You’ve got to have empathy, without empathy you can’t do this job.”
With 13 years of experience in the industry, Caroline previously worked for ‘Relate’, a national relationship counselling service, before setting up a private practice from her Storrington home.
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Hide Ad“I established my own clients and I got to the stage where it grew too big for the house and I clearly needed a counselling centre that could also incorporate Charlotte.”
Following in her mother’s footsteps, Charlotte will be training to be a counsellor.
“I’ve had a lot of life experiences myself, like having my children fairly young, and so I wanted to give something back and help others. I think it will be very rewarding,” said Charlotte.
A proud mother, Caroline said that their shared experiences of pulling together, helping each other out and coping as a family was the way forward in their careers.
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Hide AdCharlotte added: “It’s ingrained in our family. Mum and dad are very much involved with my children and we’re all really close.”
Featuring two beautifully designed rooms complemented by ambient music, Lanes Counselling is tucked away in The Old Printing Works arcade and is now open for appointments. The business also features fellow counsellor Jackie Mardle.
The team offer a confidential and non-judgmental environment for anyone regardless of their race, religion or sexuality.
For more details, visit www.lanescounselling.co.uk, call 01903 882613, or email [email protected]