About Lou Elder
Menopause‑Informed Counselling Psychotherapist
Hi, I’m Lou.
I’m a Counselling Psychotherapist, and I genuinely believe that everyone deserves a safe place to be heard without judgement.
Over the past 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting people through some of the most difficult times in their lives. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship difficulties, menopause, or simply feeling overwhelmed, my role is to help you make sense of what’s happening and support you in finding a way forward.
I know that starting therapy can feel daunting. Finding the right therapist is important, and I want you to feel comfortable from the very beginning. My aim is to create a warm, relaxed space where you can be yourself, speak openly, and know that you’ll be listened to with compassion and respect.
I’m a qualified Counselling Psychotherapist with a Psychology Degree (Hons), a Master’s Degree, and extensive additional training. Throughout my career I’ve continued to develop my knowledge in areas including trauma, Autism, ADHD, AuDhd, Sensory Processing and Tourettes, body language, mindfulness and, more recently, menopause-informed therapy.
For me, therapy isn’t about giving advice or telling people what to do. It’s about working alongside you to understand your experiences, recognise your strengths, and help you make meaningful, lasting changes that feel right for you.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors, keeping active, travelling and making time for my own wellbeing. I believe looking after ourselves isn’t a luxury – it’s something we all deserve.
“I believe everyone has the capacity to heal and grow. Sometimes we just need someone to walk alongside us while we find our way.”
If you’ve been thinking about reaching out, I’d love to hear from you.
Lou’s Specialist Approach
Why “Colourful World”?
When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy for the world to lose its colour. Anxiety, depression, grief, stress and other challenges can make everything seem heavy, dark and difficult to face.
That’s where the name Colourful World comes from.
I believe therapy is about helping you take those first steps out of that darkness and towards a life that feels lighter, brighter and more colourful again. It isn’t about pretending life is perfect – it’s about helping you rediscover hope, confidence and the parts of yourself that may have been hidden by life’s challenges.
Everyone’s journey is different, and therapy isn’t about changing who you are. It’s about helping you reconnect with yourself and creating a future that feels more meaningful, more balanced and, ultimately, more colourful.
Colourful World Counselling & Psychotherapy was established in 2018 and continues to grow as I develop my knowledge, experience and specialist training, ensuring I can offer the best possible support to the people I work with.
A Warm, Safe Space to Talk, Heal and Grow
Life can sometimes feel overwhelming. You might be struggling with anxiety, low mood, grief, stress, relationship difficulties, or simply feel like you’ve lost your way.
Whatever has brought you here, you don’t have to face it alone.
I offer a warm, confidential and non-judgemental space where you can talk openly, explore what’s going on in your life, and begin to understand yourself more deeply. Together, we’ll work at a pace that feels comfortable for you, helping you build confidence, develop healthier ways of coping, and move towards a life that feels more balanced and fulfilling.
At Colourful World, therapy isn’t about being judged or told what to do. It’s about feeling heard, understood and supported as you find your own way forward.
A Therapy Approach That’s ‘Out of the Norm’
I’ve never believed therapy should be two people sitting across a desk. My approach is warm, flexible and human.
I adapt my methods to suit each client, drawing from CBT, holistic, psychodynamic and mindfulness‑based therapies.
I’m known for my colourful hair, whacky shoes and down‑to‑earth style – because therapy should feel approachable, not clinical or intimidating.
Experience Working With Adults, Children & Families
Over the past two decades, I’ve worked in a wide range of settings including primary care, residential care and safe houses.
I’ve supported adults, children, families and individuals under court supervision orders, often working alongside other agencies and professionals.
This experience has shaped my ability to understand complex situations and support people with compassion, clarity and practical tools.
A Space Designed for Comfort
My therapy room is warm, cosy and welcoming.
I know therapy can feel daunting, so my aim is to create an environment where you feel safe, supported and able to talk openly.
