What I do
Helping individuals and organisations to navigate current and future challenges more effectively.
By supporting those impacted by stress and trauma I enable people to regain their equilibrium. I help ease feelings of isolation and loneliness. I believe it is essential to provide people with the tools and resources to help them reconnect with themselves and others, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment.
After more than 20 years in the humanitarian sector, I started my therapy and counselling practice in 2019 building on 30 years of management an international experience. As well as working with individuals I also work with organisations to review practices and culture for improving staff safety, resilience and wellbeing.
I am certified in, and have personal experience of, trauma focused therapy and have supported a variety of clients through the aftermath of traumatic events and burnout.
While my experience in the humanitarian sector and security risk management gives me specific insight into the challenges faced by those working overseas, on their return and with their families, the knowledge I have gained is applicable across many walks of life.
Sharing and learning in Pakistan
Helping Organisations meet their duty of care
I work with organisations to develop and implement practices that take care of the mental and physical well-being of their people. Supporting them to deliver their ethical and legal duty of care responsibilities for staff and to provide a positive culture and working environment.
I have been developing and delivering training for staff security, risk management and well-being within the aid sector for over 20 years. This includes both bespoke and open courses developed with and for international, regional and country offices.
I also help individuals and teams to build resilience, working with them to strengthen their capacity to identify and manage their safety risks, to be better able to respond to crisis and reduce the impact from burnout and traumatic incidents.
Laying the foundation stone for a
school in Afghanistan
Therapy
Therapy and counselling can empower individuals to find contentment in their personal lives as well as improve work performance. By offering guidance and support, I help people address underlying issues that may be impacting their overall well-being, leading to a greater sense of fulfilment and satisfaction in both their professional and personal spheres.
Finding the right support can be a challenge if you are looking for somebody who understands the context of your experience. This is where my life experience can play a crucial role, whether you are navigating the complexities of cross-cultural experiences, struggling with a humanitarian response or facing the challenges of a leadership role.
My Services
Supporting people to regain their equilibrium in life
Trauma focused therapy
Professional personal support
Mentoring, therapy & counselling for those who are working or who have worked in the aid sector
Improving organisational Duty of Care
Building resilience through improved mental and physical well-being
Facilitate organisational learning,e.g. security audits, after action reviews
Staff capability building programmes and training
Focusing on keeping it simple
Initial meeting
I provide a complimentary 30 minute online discovery meeting.
Where we will chat informally and communicate openly determining if the relationship is a good fit for you without the pressure of a paid initial service.
Skilled care
“I have no right to feel like this because there are so many who are worse off than I am”
Seeking assistance may feel challenging initially, but it can lead to valuable support and growth.
And I will support you through skilled care.
Flexibility
I offer both an on-line and face to face service. Video calls mean we can connect wherever you are, or you can meet me in my practice room in Nottingham, UK.
Lisa Reilly,
B.Eng, MSyl
Certified Counsellor
Originally graduating as an engineer, and after gaining experience in the UK, I decided to broaden my horizons by working abroad. This international experience not only enriched my professional skills but also provided me with a deeper understanding of different cultures and work environments.
Initially volunteering with VSO in Namibia for 2 years, I then stayed overseas for the next 12 years, living and working in a variety of contexts including Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Sudan and South Sudan.
When I completed my last full-time overseas mission I was offered a psychological debriefing., which started my personal therapy journey. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of my emotional healing and self-discovery process and led to my present position as a psychotherapist and counsellor.
Back in the UK, working within the humanitarian sector to improve staff safety and security, I quickly realised that staff well-being and mental health are an integral part of effective security risk management.My experience in the humanitarian sector, security risk management and senior leadership alongside my psychological journey, has created a passion to build effective and empowering mental and physical safety for all.
From 2011 to 2023 I was Executive Director of the Global Interagency Security Forum (GISF, previously EISF), developing the world’s leading platform for global engagement on security risk management in the humanitarian and broader aid sector. The original research and guides of GISF have set the standard for good practice in the sector, most recently for a person-centred approach and equitable working with partners.
My experience
Ethiopia 2019
I am a member of the Security Institute where I champion an Inclusive approach. I am also on the UNWFP (United Nations World Health Programme) Security Advisory Board (SECAB).
Most recently I have become a founding member of the Duty of Care Alliance. This is a group of mixed experts working to raise awareness and improve DoC in the aid sector. I am also a Trustee of the Proper Support Trust.
Qualifications
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Diploma in Transactional Analysis Counselling (Berne Institute)
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Certificate in Trauma Focused Therapy (Link Centre)
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BEng Mechanical Engineering (Portsmouth University)
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UNSMS Security Certification Programme
Industry Accolades
- Winner of the 2020 Women in Security Contribution to industry award.
- Recognised by the IFSEC Global Influencers in Security 2022 - Association Figures / Academics / Thought Leaders
Afghanistan 2002
What my clients are saying
"Lisa is a great trainer whose personal experiences bring security challenges to life; the introduction of VR facilitates a safe space for staff to explore their stress responses."
G, Fauna & Flora
"Thank you for dedication & commitment to our sector & the impact you have made throughout your career to support organizations like ChildFund."
Anon
"The benefits of your efforts will be felt for many years more.
GISF has come a long way. I remain in absolute admiration of what you have achieved. "
Anon
