Laura Hall

I am currently seeing clients on Mondays and Tuesdays remotely, either over the phone or as a video call on whatsapp/Microsoft Teams. However, my hours are flexible on these days.

Looking for a therapist can be a daunting experience, especially if things are tough for you right now, but you have taken the first step!

I have experienced many times, both as a counsellor and personally in therapy, how people begin to feel less burdened and overwhelmed in their life when they feel really heard and accepted without judgement or criticism. I believe that the counselling relationship is a collaborative and dynamic process, and I am always receptive to feedback, as it can shape the dynamic between us. In therapy, sometimes things can feel worse before it feels more manageable.

I feel that therapy can be proactive, and not just reactive. Counselling is about bringing everything about you to sessions - whether that is needing to sit and cry, needing to let your anger out within a safe space, or celebrating achievements in your life. I want you to show up as you are and at the pace you feel comfortable – sharing your interests and passions, as well as the more difficult aspects. I offer a space for curiosity on why and how you do things, and a confidential relationship to talk and make sense of any aspect of your life including current, and/or past experiences. I have no expectations on what we speak about; with some clients we have worked towards specific goals, and with others we have just gone with the flow.

I am passionate about my practice and I want you to experience that authenticity and genuine want to follow my curiosity to help you understand yourself better. Understanding reduces the likelihood of repeating unhealthy patterns and develops compassion to value yourself enough to change.

Through previously working in a charity counselling agency, I have worked with a diverse group of clients. I’m gender, sexuality and relationship diversity affirmative. This means that I don’t make assumptions, mindful of language, and don’t pathologise any aspect of you as a person. I regard all identities and consensual lifestyles as a natural part of human life. I have a broad understanding of the impact culture and society have on all of us, but in particular on those from marginalised communities. I welcome clients that are neurodivergent. I am committed to my own professional development to give my clients the best service possible, and actively seek out any training to ensure I am competent to work with what my clients bring.

Areas that I have experience of working with clients identifying with:

• anxiety
• depression
• trauma and abuse
• ADHD / Autism
• relationship issues
• gender identity and sexuality / LGBTQ+
• Borderline Personality Disorder / BPD / EUPD
• Bipolar
• stress/burnout
• self esteem
• self-harming
• suicidal thoughts
• self development
• exam/school stress
• bullying
• life transitions

I am available for a free 30 minute online or phone consultation, for a chat about what you feel you need from therapy, what I offer as a therapist and also to see if we can both work well together. If we decide to work together, then we can discuss mutually convenient times for our session.

I work in a flexible manner and will always look to arrange sessions at a time that is suitable for both of us. I recommend counselling sessions are held weekly, but can offer flexibility around working schedules (such as shift work or offshore trips). This can be reduced to fortnightly, as I am aware that therapy can be expensive and support every 2 weeks is better than holding off entirely. All sessions are booked in and charged as fifty minutes, but this can also be explored together.