I am a qualified Counsellor/Psychotherapist with over fifteen years of experience working within the fields of Counselling and Mental Health. Alongside a Psychology degree, my primary training is in the person-centred approach, and I have completed further study in Transactional Analysis and Gestalt therapy. I am qualified to work with both individuals and couples.
my approach
As a person-centred therapist, my role is centred around creating a therapeutic environment that promotes your self-exploration, growth, and well-being. My foremost commitment is to cultivate a space where you feel genuinely heard, accepted, and understood.
Unconditional positive regard is at the core of my approach. I approach you with complete acceptance, free of judgment, valuing your experiences and perspectives. This unconditional positive regard creates a foundation of trust and safety, allowing you to share your thoughts and feelings openly.
Empathy is another key element of my role. I actively engage in understanding your emotions, striving to see the world from your perspective. By expressing this understanding, I aim to help you feel truly heard and validated, fostering a deeper connection between us.
Genuineness, or congruence, is equally important. I am transparent and authentic in our interactions, sharing my own feelings and reactions. This openness contributes to the creation of an authentic and honest therapeutic relationship, where you can trust in the sincerity of our connection.
I trust in your capacity to navigate your own thoughts and emotions, which means that I adopt a largely non-directive approach; I won’t provide ready-made solutions or direct the course of our sessions; however, I may make an offering to work creatively using various tools, which I may guide you through. Together, we will explore your concerns, allowing you to gain insights into your experiences and facilitate self-discovery.
Our therapeutic relationship is collaborative. I view you as the expert of your own life, and my role is to assist and accompany you on your journey. Together, we set goals and explore ways to help you achieve personal growth, self-awareness, and a deeper understanding of yourself.
my specialisms
I am comfortable and confident in working with a wide range of presenting issues; however I do have a few areas in which I particularly specialise. My specialisms are: relationships and couples work, identity and self-esteem, and anxiety and depression. Please click on the link below to find out more.
my training and experience
Please follow the link below for information on my training and experience.
laura hordern counselling 