Who we are

Hi, I’m Lois Killeen, an integrative therapist supporting individuals on life’s journey. My goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences at your own pace.

Using an integrative approach, I tailor therapy to meet your unique needs, drawing from techniques such as person-centred counselling, CBT, psychodynamic therapy, and trauma-informed methods.

I hold a BA (Hons) in Philosophy from the University of Sheffield, along with Diplomas in Hypnotherapy and Introduction to Counselling Skills, as well as a Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling Practice. My experience includes supporting clients through a range of challenges, helping them build insight, confidence, and lasting change. Combining this with a background in mental health social care, I have experience with working in family counselling, domestic violence, and trauma. I approach therapy as a collaborative process, empowering individuals to discover their own path to healing and personal growth.

I am here to make the process as comfortable and approachable as possible.

If you're interested in learning more or booking a session, I'd be happy to connect with you. Reach out to take the first step. Our journey begins with a conversation over the phone.

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Your Therapist at Being in Balance

It's important to find the right therapist for you. If you'd like to learn more about my approach and how we can work together, feel free to get in touch

  • I founded Being in Balance to offer personalised therapy beyond the limitations of traditional services. I believe wellbeing isn’t about perfection, it’s about finding a balance within yourself that you choose, even through challenges.

    Private practice allows me to truly tailor therapy to you, ensuring a collaborative, supportive approach that meets your individual needs. Whether you seek structured strategies, deep exploration, or a safe space to be heard, my goal is to provide therapy that fits you, not the other way around.


  • Founder.

Support & Specialisms

  • We all experience moments of worry, sadness or overwhelm but when these feelings linger, deepen or begin to affect daily life, they may be signs of anxiety or depression.

    Anxiety

    Anxiety is a natural response to stress or perceived danger. It can appear as worry, fear or physical symptoms such as a racing heart or tense muscles. This response evolved to help us survive threats activating the body’s “fight, flight, freeze, fawn or flop” reactions to keep us safe.

    However, today’s threats often don’t come from physical danger but from emotional or social pressures like exams, work-related stress or even social media. When our body still reacts as if we’re under attack, it can feel overwhelming, confusing, and difficult to escape.

    While anxiety can act as a helpful signal, it becomes problematic when it’s chronic, out of proportion, or prevents you from living your life. Avoiding situations, feeling constant dread or experiencing panic attacks may indicate an anxiety disorder that warrants care and support.

    Depression

    Depression can feel like a heavy fog, slowing your thoughts, dulling motivation and making even small tasks feel exhausting. It’s not just about “feeling down”, but a persistent low mood that affects energy, sleep, appetite, self-esteem and hope.

    You might feel disconnected, isolated or as though nothing brings joy. Depression often convinces us that nothing will change but support is available, and healing is possible.

    You’re Not Alone

    Both anxiety and depression are incredibly common and also highly treatable. Therapy can help you understand these feelings, learn how to manage them and reconnect with your sense of purpose and self-worth.

    Even when it doesn’t feel like it at the time, you can return to balance. Let’s take that first step together.

    PLEASE NOTE

    If you’re struggling or looking for a formal diagnosis, it’s important to reach out to your GP or a qualified mental health professional who can offer the right support. Please note that we do not provide urgent or crisis mental health services. If you are in crisis or need immediate help, contact your local emergency services or NHS Mental Health Crisis Team for immediate support.

  • Grief isn’t just about bereavement, it can follow any kind of loss. Whether it's the end of a relationship, the loss of a job, changes in health or identity, or even losing a sense of direction in life, grief can leave you feeling unanchored.

    Grief is deeply personal. There’s no set timeline, and no "right" way to experience it. Many people move through stages such as shock, denial, anger, sadness and eventually adjustment, though not always in a straight line.

    Sometimes, we grieve who we used to be. That might be through life transitions, illness, burnout or trauma. These invisible losses can be just as painful and valid.

    Therapy can be a space to explore your loss, whatever form it takes, with compassion, perspective, and support.

  • Our relationships, both past and present, shape how we see ourselves and the world. Whether it’s family, partners or friendships, these connections influence our sense of identity, security and belonging.

    Sometimes, we carry patterns from early experiences or attachments that affect how we relate to others now. Therapy offers a space to explore these dynamics, understand your relational needs and begin to create more balanced, meaningful connections.

    Whether you’re navigating current challenges, healing from past relationships, or wanting to build stronger ones in the future, therapy can help you reconnect with your authentic self and foster healthier ways of relating.

  • Experiences of trauma or abuse can leave lasting emotional wounds. They may affect how safe we feel in the world, how we trust others, and how we relate to ourselves. Whether the harm happened in childhood or more recently, therapy offers a safe and supportive space to begin processing what you’ve been through at your own pace and in your own way.

    Therapy doesn't seek to erase the past, but to help you make sense of it, reclaim your voice, and build a renewed sense of safety, strength and self-worth. It can support you in understanding emotional responses, reducing shame, and navigating the ongoing impact trauma may have on your relationships, identity or daily life.

    This service is not an emergency or crisis support. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please contact emergency services (999), or reach out to specialist organisations such as:

    You're not alone, and what you've been through matters. Therapy isn’t about rushing or fixing, it's about walking alongside you as you explore, heal, and move forward on your own terms.

  • Everyone experiences the world differently and that’s something I value deeply in my approach to therapy.

    If you're autistic or have a learning disability, I’m committed to offering support that’s tailored to you. That might mean adjusting how we communicate, using more creative or visual approaches, or adapting the therapy environment to help you feel at ease.

    Before starting sessions, I ask for an informal conversation. This helps us discuss what adjustments may support you best and whether we feel like a good fit to work together.

    I bring experience from previously working in settings with autistic people and those with learning disabilities, as well as personal insight. I understand how difficult it can be when the world doesn’t seem built for you, when others don’t always understand how you think, feel or process. Therapy with me is a space where your experience is heard and respected.

    Autism is not a problem to be fixed, and I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. I aim to work with you, recognising your strengths, listening to your needs and offering support that feels accessible, respectful and genuinely collaborative.

    Your voice matters. Your experience is valid. And together, we can find the way forward that feels right for you.

What to Expect: Agreements & Confidentiality

  • Confidentiality & Data Protection

    • Client confidentiality will be maintained, except in cases where there is a risk of harm to the client or others.

    • Anonymous case histories may be shared with supervisors or peers for professional development. However, Lois will make every effort to discuss this with you beforehand whenever possible.

    • All records are securely stored in accordance with GDPR regulations. Further information on this can be provided upon request.

  • Therapy Agreement

    This agreement outlines the terms and conditions for our therapeutic work together, ensuring a professional, ethical, and transparent relationship. By booking an appointment, you agree to the following terms. If you are unable to accept these terms, therapy should not proceed.

    1. Sessions & Format

    The client agrees to a course of sessions, subject to review based on progress. Sessions will be held in a mutually agreed location or format following our initial phone consultation. This may include in-person meetings or online sessions via Zoom.

    2. Fees & Payment

    • The client agrees to pay a fee based on the selected session type, with options for card or payment via website.

    • Payment will be securely held on the client's card upon booking. If the client does not attend the session and fails to cancel within the required notice period, the amount will be automatically processed.

    3. Contact Between Sessions

    Communication outside sessions is limited to one email or text message using the details provided.

    4. Cancellations & Termination

    • Appointments must be cancelled with at least 48 hours’ notice. If cancellation does not occur within this timeframe, payment will be automatically processed. If more than two sessions are missed without communication, therapy will be discontinued.

    • Cancellations are only accepted via phone or email. Extenuating circumstances may waive this clause.

    5. Therapeutic Approach & Expectations

    • The client acknowledges that working with Lois Killeen does not guarantee or imply a cure.

    • The client should seek medical advice from a qualified practitioner regarding mental or physical health concerns.

    • Therapy may involve revisiting challenging memories or experiencing uncomfortable emotions as part of personal growth. Change can take time, and setbacks may occur.

    6. Conduct & Ethical Standards

    • Any antisocial or inappropriate behaviour will result in immediate termination of therapy.

    • The therapist works within the guidelines of the National Counselling Society’s Code of Ethics, available upon request.

    • Clients can access the complaints and disciplinary procedures of the National Counselling Society at any time via NCPS | Complaints

  • Exploring Email Therapy:

    1. Purpose and Scope of Therapy

    This email-based therapy service is designed to support clients through:

    • In-depth therapeutic discussions exploring emotional, relational, and psychological challenges

    • Psychoeducation, including sharing psychological theories and frameworks to aid understanding

    • Reflective listening and guidance, without the pressure of live video or in-person sessions

    This format may be especially helpful for:

    • Individuals with sensory sensitivities

    • Those who experience anxiety or discomfort with video or face-to-face therapy

    • Clients who prefer written reflection and asynchronous communication

    2. Initial Referral and Suitability

    Before therapy begins, clients must complete an initial referral form. This helps:

    • Ensure the service is appropriate for their needs

    • Clarify goals and expectations

    • Avoid misdirected time or financial investment

    The therapist reserves the right to decline or redirect referrals if the service is not suitable (e.g., if the client requires crisis intervention or specialist support).

    If therapy begins and becomes no longer suitable, we will discuss alternative options together. This may include referral to another service, changing the format (in‑person, online, or email), or ending therapy with guidance toward appropriate support.

    3. Identity Verification

    To protect both parties:

    • Clients must provide a full name, date of birth, and contact email on the referral form

    • No formal ID verification is required unless clinically indicated

    • All information is handled in accordance with UK GDPR

    Client Agreement:

    1. Service Description

    This agreement outlines the terms for asynchronous therapy delivered via encrypted email. The service includes:

    • Five therapeutic emails per week, beginning Monday and ending Friday each weekly cycle

    • One email exchange per working day (client email + therapist response)

    • Each email should be limited to 600words per email to maintain a structured and focused exchange that provides therapeutic clarity and achievable outcomes

    • Therapist responses within 12 business hours of receiving each client email

    • Business hours 8am-6pm

    2. Platform and Data Protection

    • All emails will be sent using ProtonMail, a secure, end-to-end encrypted email service

    • Messages will be password-protected when sent to non-ProtonMail users

    • Clients will receive a secure link to view and reply to messages

    • This service is compliant with UK GDPR standards for data protection and confidentiality

    3. Client Responsibilities

    • Clients agree to send one therapeutic email per weekday

    • Missed exchanges without prior notice are not carried over or refunded. The weekly fee covers uptofive email responses, unused exchanges expire at the end of the week.

    • Emails should be focused and reflective, allowing for meaningful therapeutic engagement

    • Clients must use the agreed password to access encrypted messages

    4. Therapist Responsibilities

    • Therapist will respond to each client email within 12 business hours during weekdays

    • Responses will be thoughtful, therapeutic, and tailored to the client’s needs

    • Therapist will maintain confidentiality and secure data handling at all times

    5. Missed Emails or Delays

    • If the client misses a day, the therapist will hold space for the next scheduled email

    • If the therapist is unable to respond within 12 business hours due to unforeseen circumstances, the client will be notified and the missed response will be delivered within 24 hours

    • Repeated missed emails may be discussed and reviewed collaboratively

    6. Fees and Payment

    • The weekly fee is £25, payable 48 hours in advance of starting

    • Once receipt has been confirmed, the client will receive a welcome email that they can begin their first response to.

    • No refunds are issued for missed emails unless agreed in advance

    • Clients may cancel with 48 hours’ notice before the next billing cycle

    7. Confidentiality and Limits

    • Email therapy is not suitable or to be used if the client is in crisis or requiring emergency support. If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency service lines.

    • If the therapist believes the client requires a different level of care, a referral may be suggested

    • All communications are confidential within the limits of UK law and safeguarding obligation

  • Working to NCPS national guidelines of the Code of Ethics.

    The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) Code of Ethics outlines the fundamental principles guiding ethical practice for counsellors. It sets standards for professional conduct, confidentiality, integrity, and client welfare, ensuring practitioners uphold ethical responsibilities in their work. The code emphasises respect, competence, and accountability, helping to create a safe and effective therapeutic environment.

    If a client believes a counsellor has not met these ethical standards, they can raise their concerns directly with the practitioner. If the issue remains unresolved, they may submit a formal complaint to the NCPS, which will assess the counsellor’s fitness to practise and take appropriate action.

    You can find more information at: NCPS-Code-of-Ethics-Nov-23.pdf

  • Email therapy is delivered securely through ProtonMail with end‑to‑end encryption and password protection. All communication is handled in line with UK GDPR, ensuring your personal information remains confidential and protected

  • Counselling is a collaborative journey designed to support your emotional wellbeing. Through a safe, confidential space, you’ll explore thoughts, emotions, and challenges, with professional guidance, working to a goal you create that may help you gain clarity, build coping strategies, and foster personal growth. Progress isn’t always linear, sometimes it gets harder before it gets easier.

Contact us

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