Counselling

People usually come to counselling because they want something in their lives to change. Many people want to deal with a difficult relationship or situation - whether personal or professional.  Having counselling can help you work through the blocks and help you to be able to express yourself and identify what you need, to re-establish and maintain balance in your life.

I work transparently and do not believe that counselling is about ‘fixing’ something; rather, it is a collaborative process to explore and find a way forward in life. The therapeutic relationship has transformative power.

I am trained in and influenced by several approaches to therapy such as Gestalt (working with the whole- body, mind and spirit), CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy), REBT (Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy), Inner Child Therapy, Release Therapy, Mindfulness and Hypnotherapy. I am familiar with and use the 12 Steps and SMART Recovery models where appropriate when working with addictions.

The areas I work with include:

  • addictions (substance abuse and alcoholism, food, behaviour, internet, social media, gambling, shopping, relationships, sex, porn, hoarding, work).

  • aftercare sessions for groups, individuals, couples and families leaving rehab and treatment.

  • stress, anxiety and general mental health and well-being

  • anger management

  • trauma and abuse (sexual, emotional, psychological, physical, spiritual/religious)

  • couples counselling, codependency and relationship difficulties

  • inner child therapy

  • emotional energy release

I work with a diverse range of clients, long and short-term, to explore and identify unresolved childhood experiences now resulting in unhealthy behaviours and patterns that are painful, destructive and impacting the present.

In a non-judgmental approach, I will work with you to explore what is troubling you and how you can work through the things you may be experiencing as challenging. My approach is caring and effective and I enjoy helping you get your desired results. I will support you in reaching your goal in the shortest time possible to produce long-lasting change that gets to the root of the issues you’re experiencing. Together we will explore how your thinking, attitudes, beliefs, opinions and behaviours were formed, how they affect your emotions, actions, lives and happiness and how changing them can help you feel better and achieve more. 

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Laura for a couple of years. Such an amazing experience every time I see her. Highly recommend” Rose, Calpe Spain

“Laura's calm, patient, understanding, and exceptionally knowledgeable nature has been instrumental in improving my life. I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone in need of support”. Ben, Notts UK

The First Step

During the consultation, we will discuss how counselling might benefit you and put a treatment plan in place. Some clients, couples and families chose a brief solution-focused approach of up to 8 sessions which can include setting goals and introducing strategies to address their problems; others prefer to continue on a longer-term basis.

I am trained and influenced by several approaches to counselling such as Gestalt, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) REBT (Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy) and Emotional Release Therapy.  I am familiar with and use the 12-steps, SMART Recovery and relapse prevention when working with addiction(s) and Codependency having spent many years working with addicts and alcoholics in rehab and treatment facilities in the UK and Europe.

Aftercare

‘Aftercare’ is the ongoing treatment and support that is available after an inpatient stay in an addiction or alcohol treatment centre. Aftercare enables people to reintegrate back into life and their community and assists them with embedding their newfound recovery & lifestyle back into their environment. Aftercare sessions can help minimise or avoid relapsing into old behaviours and patterns and establish a consistent support network.

Aftercare is also available for couples and families of those affected by addiction. A tailored aftercare package can be put in place to enable the whole family to fully understand addiction and get support from a therapist who works with and understands addiction. Without a robust, structured aftercare plan in place, treatment leavers are more at risk of relapsing back into old ways. People who engage in aftercare, following treatment, have more success integrating back into society and in their recovery/sobriety from addiction.

Couples Counselling

I work with couples who may be experiencing difficulties in their relationship.  Many couples struggle and go around in circles with their problems. Small changes and new ways of understanding your problems can make significant shifts in a couple’s life together. Before a relationship can begin to be understood and restored, it is important to recognise and acknowledge that each person has a unique personality, perspective, values and belief system. I will help you to explore how as Individuals in the relationship, you may adhere to different values and belief systems which may be triggering conflict in the relationship. I also work with couples that may have issues with co-dependency, addictions and dysfunctions in the family.

“My husband and I approached Laura for counselling while we were going through the adoption process. We found her sessions invaluable when exploring our own childhood issues in order to prepare ourselves for our new family. Our relationship is now stronger than ever as a result of her non-judgmental and warm guidance and we would definitely recommend her if you are facing challenges in your relationships or family life”. Claire, London UK

Call me on 07522 66 69 29 for further details on counselling or to arrange a free telephone 15-minute consultation using the contact section.