Lucy Sheils - MSc, MBACP

Therapist Directory Listing Category: Psychotherapists and Counsellors

About the Therapist

About the therapist:

My goal is to offer a safe, non-judgmental space where you can openly explore your thoughts and feelings while working collaboratively toward solutions that are right for you. I strive to meet you where you’re at, uncovering insights together in a way that feels supportive and empowering. No matter what emotions you’re experiencing, we can work together to explore, understand, and navigate them.

As a gay psychotherapist, I bring both personal experience and professional expertise to the therapeutic relationship. Having been on my own journey, I deeply understand how daunting the exploration of sexuality and / or gender can be, particularly in a world that doesn’t always offer the acceptance or understanding we deserve. Growing up feeling different from others can lead to feelings of isolation and detachment, which often manifest as profound sadness, depression, or anxiety. For many, this journey can also evoke a pervasive sense of shame that impacts self-esteem, relationships, and the ability to thrive.

I am here to provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you can feel truly seen and heard. In our work together, my role is to walk alongside you as you navigate complex emotions, unpack the impact of societal and cultural expectations, and explore the layers of your identity. I understand how vulnerability in therapy can feel both daunting and liberating, and I will meet you exactly where you are, with empathy and care. My ultimate goal is to help you embrace your authentic self, build a strong sense of inner confidence, and create a life that feels fulfilling and aligned with your values.

Whether you’re struggling with shame, navigating coming out, building healthier relationships, or simply seeking a space where you can explore who you are, you don’t have to do it alone. I am here to support you every step of the way.

Remember, you are the expert on your own life, and I am here to accompany you on this path of self-exploration and transformation.
I place great importance on diversity and individuality in my practice, and I strive to foster an open and welcoming space for all.

Sexual identity:

Gender identity: Female

Gender history: As assigned at birth

Non-monogamy: No

Intersex: No

Neurodivergent: Yes

Qualifications - Links to websites:

I hold an MSc in CBT and a Postgraduate qualification in Counselling from Goldsmiths University, with over 10 years of experience in the field. As a registered member of both the BABCP and BACP, I adhere to their code of ethics. Committed to providing the highest standard of care, I engage in ongoing supervision and continuous professional development to ensure my practice remains effective, ethical, and up to date.

BABCP membership- 00001001801
BACP membership- 401107

Qualifications - Additional:

Award	Awarding body	Year of award

Experience and approach:

Relationships

You might find that the same issues or patterns keep emerging in your relationships, regardless of the person involved. This could include feelings of dissatisfaction, lack of communication, or old dynamics from childhood. Or perhaps you’re facing difficulties in meeting people or forming connections?

The patterns can be frustrating, leading to a feeling of being “stuck,” but they can also be opportunities for growth and self-reflection. Recurring issues often signal underlying needs, beliefs, or fears that haven’t been fully addressed.

Stress and anxiety

Societal pressures in our day-to-day lives can lead to anxiety and stress. In professional settings, it could present as imposter syndrome or burn-out. In your private life, it might show up as low self-esteem or perfectionism.

Anxiety doesn’t always look the same for everyone. It can manifest in ways that might feel confusing, overwhelming, or even unrelated to emotional distress. Understanding how anxiety manifests can be the first step toward finding relief.

Making sense of our past

There are times when, as adults, we are held back by the things we experienced in our formative years and we rely on learnt behaviours and coping mechanisms to manage our emotions. You may have forgotten or chosen to block out unhappy memories from the past but the experiences, and your childhood learnt responses, might still be playing a part in your emotional reactions and behaviour as an adult.

This could include feelings of low self-esteem, shame or lack of confidence, or the need to ‘please’ others and put their needs ahead of ours.

Sometimes we don’t make the connections between our current behaviour and how we learnt to respond to things in our childhood. Together we can explore what is going on for you and find more positive ways of responding to the challenges as your adult self.

Approaches: