About Me
Lynda Dorbin — BACP counsellor Epping.
And why I do this work.
Let’s be honest…
Life has a funny habit of pulling the rug out from under us. One minute you’re happily sailing along, and the next you’re thinking… “Who even is this person staring back at me?”
Maybe it’s divorce, bereavement, retirement, menopause, the children leaving home, juggling a young family or a relationship ending, or simply waking up one morning wondering, “Is this really it?”
Life changes us. Sometimes those changes are exciting. Sometimes they feel like someone has stolen the instruction manual.
Here’s what I want you to know… You are not broken.
You’re not “too emotional,” “too sensitive,” “too much,” or “not enough.” You’ve simply got a little lost along the way. And honestly? Most of us do.
We all develop ways of coping with life. We people-please. We overthink. We avoid conflict. We put everyone else first. We become our own worst critic. Those patterns usually started for a very good reason — they helped us get through life. The problem is they often stick around long after they’ve stopped serving us.
It’s a bit like still wearing your winter coat in the middle of a heatwave. It protected you once… now it’s just making life uncomfortable.
That’s where I come in. Together we’ll gently explore your patterns, make sense of why they developed, and discover that you have more choices than you probably realised.
No judgement. No telling you how to live your life. No lying on a couch while I stroke my chin asking, “And how does that make you feel?”
Just two people having honest conversations in a safe space where you can laugh, cry, swear if you need to, and finally stop pretending you’re fine when you’re anything but.
I’m a person-centred counsellor, which means I believe you’re the expert on your own life. My job isn’t to fix you — because you don’t need fixing. My job is to help you understand yourself differently.
Because once you understand why you think, feel and react the way you do, something shifts. The guilt softens. The anxiety eases. Your confidence begins to grow. You stop being so hard on yourself. You start making choices that feel right for you instead of everyone else.
And gradually… you begin to feel like yourself again. Not the version everyone else expects. The version you’ve perhaps forgotten was there all along.
So let me ask you…
Would you like to understand yourself better?
Would you like to stop repeating the same patterns?
Would you like more clarity about your life?
Would you like to feel lighter, happier and more like you again?
If you’ve nodded along while reading this, I’d love to hear your story. You don’t have to have it all figured out before you get in touch. We’ll work it out together.
“People know themselves better than anyone else.
They may just need some help to understand.”
Qualifications & Credentials
Trained, qualified, and here for you.
Experience
Volunteer counsellor with the Haven Survivors of Abuse network — supporting survivors of domestic and sexual abuse.
Bereavement counsellor with the St Joseph’s Hospice bereavement team — providing compassionate support through loss.
My Approach
Person-centred. At your pace. Always.
I work with the person-centred approach, which means our sessions are entirely focused on your needs, your experiences, and your agenda. I don’t bring a fixed script or a predetermined plan — I follow your lead.
Whether you want to explore past experiences, navigate something you’re going through right now, or simply have a space to think out loud — I’m here to listen, support, and walk alongside you.
How we work togetherCommon Questions
Things people often want to know.
Do I need to be in crisis to start counselling?
Not at all. You don’t need to have hit rock bottom. Many people come because they want to understand themselves better, work through something that’s been nagging at them, or simply have a space to think things through. If you’re wondering whether counselling might help, that curiosity is enough to get started.
What is person-centred counselling?
Person-centred counselling puts you — not the therapist — at the heart of the process. Rather than giving advice or following a fixed plan, I offer a warm, non-judgemental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace. The belief at the core of this approach is that you already have the inner resources to understand yourself — you may just need the right conditions to access them.
How long will I need counselling?
That varies from person to person — and it’s entirely up to you. Some people find a handful of sessions gives them what they need. Others work with me for several months, or return at different points in their life. My goal is to help you build the tools to manage independently, not to keep you in counselling longer than you need.
I’m not sure counselling is for me. Can I just have a chat first?
Absolutely — that’s exactly what the free 15-minute consultation is for. It’s informal, low-pressure, and gives you the chance to ask any questions before committing to anything. Get in touch and we’ll arrange a call at a time that suits you.
If you’re ready to take that first step, I’m here to walk alongside you.
Your free 15-minute consultation is a no-pressure chance to talk. No commitment required.