Lola Olaleye

Lola Olaleye is a trainee counsellor studying towards a Diploma in Integrative Counselling and practicing with NHS Talking Therapies in Lambeth. She is a BACP registered student member and supports clients experiencing a range of emotional and psychological difficulties. Lola’s integrative approach is grounded in person-centred therapy and draws on additional therapeutic perspectives, including Solution-Focused Therapy and Gestalt approaches, allowing her to adapt her work to each client’s individual needs, experiences, and goals. She is committed to creating a confidential, safe, and non-judgemental space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported as they explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences at their own pace.

Lola’s approach is calm, thoughtful, and collaborative, with a strong belief in the importance of meeting each person as an individual. She recognises that every client brings their own unique experiences, strengths, and challenges into therapy and works alongside clients to explore what feels most meaningful and helpful for them. Grounded in person-centred principles, Lola values empathy, authenticity, and acceptance, supporting clients to develop greater self-awareness and confidence in their own ability to navigate difficulties. Through solution-focused techniques, she helps clients recognise existing strengths, identify realistic goals, and explore practical steps towards change. Drawing on Gestalt principles, Lola also supports clients in developing awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and present experiences. Her flexible and responsive approach allows therapy to be tailored to each individual, supporting clients as they work through challenges and develop a deeper understanding of themselves.

Before training as a counsellor, Lola spent over 20 years working as a self-employed IT consultant, supporting adults across a range of industries and helping organisations understand complex needs, solve problems, and communicate effectively. This experience provided her with valuable insight into workplace pressures, interpersonal dynamics, cultural differences, and the challenges of balancing professional and personal responsibilities. Lola also has experience volunteering as a wellbeing mentor for teenagers and providing emotional support to older adults through Age UK, supporting people experiencing loneliness, isolation, anxiety, low self-esteem, and significant life changes. These experiences have strengthened her ability to listen with empathy, respond with sensitivity, and create a supportive environment for those facing emotional challenges. Lola has a particular interest in supporting clients with anxiety, work-related stress, relationship difficulties, self-esteem concerns, and periods of transition. She brings warmth, curiosity, and respect to her counselling work, helping clients explore their experiences and develop greater emotional awareness, resilience, and confidence.