Our Counsellors.
Our Counsellors
Lorraine Fitzsimmons
Counsellor
My path to counselling began through lived experience, including caring for family members, which led to my own mental health challenges. Engaging with Break the Silence was a turning point – met with kindness, understanding, compassion, and empathy. That experience helped me reconnect with hope and belief in myself and inspired me to train as a counsellor. Today, I work as an integrative counsellor which allows me to offer that same collaborative space to others facing difficulties, as well as tailoring support to individual needs. I focus on listening deeply and empowering clients to navigate their challenges at their own pace. At Break the Silence, I’m proud to be part of a team that prioritises respect, integrity, and compassion and I’m grateful that I can help survivors find their path forward – just as I did. You’re welcome to reach out – we’re here to offer help and understanding.
Andrew Baird
Counsellor
I am a latecomer to counselling; in various roles over 45 years, I have helped many people who have suffered tragic and traumatising circumstances. I have experienced significant trauma on more than one occasion and I am grateful for the counselling support I received which led to my recovery. My past work and personal experience drive and inform my strong desire to help people. Working with Break the Silence allows me to engage in my passion to help others. I particularly enjoy meeting with clients face to face at outreach clinics. There I do my best to create a place where clients can feel safe and in control, enabling them to make sense of their trauma. Sometimes I describe myself as a guide, helping clients to make informed decisions about their destination and the route they choose to get there in their own time.
Susan Dickson
Counsellor
I’ve worked with Break the Silence since 2013, humbled by the courage of so many men and women I’ve supported. As a person-centred counsellor, my focus is on you – your unique experiences, strengths, and choices rather than just the challenges you face. I respect your autonomy and encourage active participation in therapy, with you staying in control of the process every step of the way. This approach builds trust and hope. If you’re considering support, know that our door is open, offering warmth and non-judgement. Together, we can talk about your journey and move forward at your pace.
Ruth Hope
Counsellor
I have been counselling for 15+ years and hold postgraduate diplomas in therapeutic counselling and counselling children and young people. My work as a relational integrative counsellor draws on relational psychodynamic approaches, humanism including person-centred counselling and existential perspectives, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), tailoring my work to each individual client. I have been a counsellor at Break the Silence since October 2019 and value being part of such a dedicated and supportive team. I feel honoured that clients trust me with their stories and hopes for change. Building a collaborative therapeutic relationship where clients are met with acknowledgement, validation and acceptance is central to my work.
Ravinder Samuels
Counsellor
Initially sceptical that talking could address deep-rooted issues, I experienced transformation during an introductory course while teaching in a challenging school. Empathy, non-judgement, and being heard brought positive changes in me and my students, shifting attitudes and behaviours. Balancing both roles deepened my commitment to this type of therapy. I am a BACP accredited counsellor. Being accredited means I have demonstrated that I meet established standards for competence and ethics, and I am committed to ongoing professional development, offering reassurance about the quality and integrity of my work. At Break the Silence, I support clients in finding their own answers, building self-esteem, and developing confidence. I listen actively and encourage reflection, creating a safe and supportive space for growth. If you’re curious about counselling’s potential, our welcoming team is here to help you discover your strengths – we’re in this together.
Sheila Wassell
Counsellor
I have worked with families and young people affected by sexual trauma since 1987, offering support, understanding, and advocacy. I qualified as a therapist in 2004. Since then, I have specialised in supporting those impacted by sexual trauma, working with organisations including Barnardo’s, Women’s Aid, local authorities, and a range of charities. This journey has given me a deep respect for the individuality of every person’s story. Break the Silence’s values closely reflect my own. Being part of a team that places compassion, respect, trust, and unconditional positive regard at the heart of its work is incredibly important to me. These values create a safe and supportive environment for both clients and practitioners. My approach is holistic, integrative, and client-led. At the heart of my work is the belief that a strong therapeutic relationship can support meaningful change. By offering a safe, non-judgemental space grounded in trust and empathy, I support clients to gently explore their experiences, process trauma, and begin to move forward at their own pace.
Heidi Wilke
Counsellor
Receiving counselling during a challenging life period opened a new chapter for me, inspiring me to train to offer the same to others. It showed me the power that empathic support can have in healing our past and growing as a result, helping build hope for the future. At Break the Silence, I offer client-focused counselling, listening at depth so that you might understand and believe in yourself more. My approach stems from the person-centred modality, is warm and tailored to you. If you’re contemplating coming to us for help, our team welcomes you with no pressure.
Sharon Belshaw
I joined Break the Silence as clinical lead and now oversee the clinical team, all clinical services, and co-lead executive duties alongside Lesley. My varied experience spans public sector, private sector, education, and consultancy roles. I’m a BACP and BPS member, an associate with Trauma Response Network UK, and hold an MSc in counselling, PG diploma in person-centred counselling, PG certificate in cognitive behavioural therapy, BSc honours in psychology, qualifications in hypnotherapy and NLP, plus training in EMDR and positive outcomes for dissociative survivors. I’ve participated in the King’s Fund cascading leadership and Inspiring Scotland inspiring leaders programmes, and I’m pursuing a doctorate in psychological trauma at the University of Chester. I was a recipient of the ‘everyday hero award’ from North Ayrshire health & social care partnership. I have had articles published in the British Journal of Midwifery and Autism Parenting Magazine on the subject of sexual abuse, and spoke at APM’s global conference in 2024. Currently, I am an executive contributor to Brainz magazine, writing articles that support professionals working with vulnerable people. Outside work, I cherish time with my family, exploring new countries, and going to the gym.
Lesley Anne Pratchett
I trained originally as a physiotherapist, working across the UK in neurological rehabilitation and long-term conditions, always drawn to holistic care that addresses the body, the brain, and broader factors that impact a person’s health. My early interests in emotional support led me to train in relationship therapy and then, over 16 years, I trained in a number of approaches while working as a physiotherapist, counsellor and psychotherapist. I switched to working solely as a psychotherapist in 2021. I have worked with Break the Silence since 2012, first as short-term cover, later being promoted to clinical lead. I value its client-centred focus and team spirit – our clients have taught me much about trauma, resilience, and healing. I strive to create non-judgemental spaces for expression, playfulness, and trust to foster connection. In my down time, I like to be outdoors, in the water, the hills and the sunshine!
Melanie Fieldhouse
My path to therapy was diverse – from hairdressing and machining (upholstery/clothing) to banking and administration – before returning to education a few years later. A basic counselling skills course sparked my passion, and I worked in healthcare supporting voice hearers in residential settings, then completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Person-Centred Counselling (University of Strathclyde, 2015) and a Diploma in Compassion-Focused Therapy, and most recently training in EMDR. I’ve served in mental health units, women’s refuges, and addiction services. Joining Break the Silence five years ago aligned perfectly with my commitment to helping clients overcome barriers, build resilience and work towards post-traumatic growth. I aim to create a space of trust and safety where clients feel welcomed, seen, and heard without judgment. Personally, I nurture my wellbeing through meditation and being in nature and I enjoy travelling, or spending time with family and friends
