How Did I Become a Counsellor?
About Liza Boswell . Counsellor in Stockport, Manchester & Online
I’m Liza, a qualified, ethical, and compassionate counsellor based in Stockport, offering both face-to-face therapy in Stockport and Manchester as well as online counselling sessions across the UK. I bring not only professional training but decades of real-life experience to my therapeutic practice.
My journey began at 18 when I started working for Travis Perkins, at a time when women in builders merchants were rare. I later spent over 20 years in management roles with City Plumbing, until I made the decision to step back into a part-time role, allowing me to retrain in a profession I was truly passionate about.
While working part-time, I volunteered with SHOUT, a national mental health text service, alongside studying for a Psychology degree with the Open University. I later completed almost four years of counselling training, with clinical placements at a Cancer charity and South Manchester Centre for Counselling.
A Safe, Inclusive Space for All
I offer an inclusive, affirming space for everyone, regardless of background, identity, or life experience. Whether you're local to Stockport or Manchester, or joining me from elsewhere via online therapy, you’ll always be met with empathy and respect.
Elbee Counselling – therapy that fits your life, your pace, your needs.
Liza on a swing in Nazare, Portugal
Why Counselling?
Why I Chose to Become a Counsellor – My Personal Journey
The honest answer? Because counselling helped me, in ways I never imagined it could.
I’m the daughter of an alcoholic mother, but I didn’t fully understand the impact that had on me until I reached my thirties. For most of my life, I felt broken. I struggled with feelings of being unloved, disconnected, and constantly on edge in friendships and relationships. I couldn’t explain why I felt so different, why I felt so alone.
Often, the only place I felt truly understood was through music, connecting to lyrics that seemed to say what I couldn’t, that felt like they understood me.
I made choices that didn’t serve me. I accepted poor treatment. I didn’t believe I deserved more.
But everything began to change when I started counselling.
Through therapy, I started to work through my feelings, identify the source of my pain and the resulting behaviours, and I slowly began to heal. I was able to connect the dots between my childhood and my adult behaviour. Over time, the weight began to lift. I discovered I wasn’t broken. I was healing. I learned what it meant to set boundaries, to put myself first, and to experience what life felt like with self-worth and clarity.
Today, I like to think of myself as being beautifully broken, not in pieces, but shaped by my experiences, and proud of the growth I’ve made.
My personal experience shapes the way I work as a counsellor. I understand how hard that first step can be, and I honour the courage it takes to reach out for help. I also know that healing is possible.
Contact me to book a free 15-minute consultation and find out how counselling can help you too.
What are my Qualifications?
As a qualified counsellor, I am passionate about completing ongoing, continuous professional development. This ensures that I gain additional skills and keep my knowledge up to date.
Accredited Registrant Member NCPS
Diploma of Higher Education in Psychology, Open University
Level 4, Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
Level 3, Certificate in Counselling Skills
Level 2, Counselling Concepts
Level 1, Child & Adult Safeguarding
Living With and Beyond Cancer
Conflict Resolution
Equality Diversion and Inclusion
Autism Awareness
Preventing Radicalisation
Be Dementia Aware