Laura Benham

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Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 8GT
Available for new clients
Available for new clients

This professional is available for new clients.

About me

Hello, my name is Laura and I am an experienced accredited counsellor based at Fairford Leys GP Surgery and also offering online/telephone counselling. 

You may be wondering if ‘just talking’ to another person really can resolve longstanding anxiety, stress and unhappiness - my experience is that it can.

Developing personal insight and better understanding can change the way we think about ourselves, the way we experience life and the relationships we have with others. Therefore, my aim is to create a safe, calm, non-judgemental and respectful environment which will enable us to explore your problems, helping you to make sense of what is troubling you.

Working together.

People come to counselling for many different reasons and I believe that by talking to someone who will listen and respond to you as an individual, without discrimination or judgement, you can begin to feel less alone with your problems and work towards tackling the issues that are making you unhappy.

Maybe you are suffering from depression or anxiety. Perhaps there are difficulties in your relationships. Stress, bereavement, family breakdown, infertility and unemployment, are examples of the painful challenges that many of us face.

Whilst family and friends can sometimes be a good support, most often people find it helpful to talk to a counsellor who is not personally involved.

What next?

To set up an initial consultation or to discuss any questions or concerns that you may have you can contact by phone or email. All enquiries are treated with the strictest confidence and I always aim to respond to messages promptly.

Training, qualifications & experience

As a professional accredited member of NCPS. I work within their guidelines and adhere to their code of practice. I am also a qualified clinical supervisor and group supervisor at a further education setting and at various charities/agencies.

I also have on-going, regular clinical supervision myself as well as attending training and workshops to inform and broaden my practice as part of continued professional development.

  • L6 Diploma in Clinical Supervision CPCAB
  • Fully trained in the Gottman method (Relationship counselling)
  • Certificate in Relational Training (Relate)
  • L5 Post graduate Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling CPCAB
  • Diploma in Humanistic Integrative Therapeutic Counselling CPCAB
  • Certificate in Counselling Studies CPCAB
  • Certificate in Counselling Skills CPCAB
  • Certificate in Couples Counselling
  • Full professional indemnity insurance
  • Enhanced DBS certificate (formally CRB check)
  • My training is in an Integrative model. This allows me to draw from a wealth of knowledge, training and experience from different therapeutic schools, and I can therefore tailor each session to your individual needs.

In addition to my private practice, I have clinical experience working for Rape Crisis, MIND, Relate and with young people in a Secondary School. I also worked for the charity Child Bereavement UK where I have developed a special interest in loss and bereavement as well as infertility. 

I trained in relational counselling with Relate and then the Gottman institute and also teach relational counselling to qualified counsellors at a further education setting as well as offering clinical supervision for couples/relationship counsellors. 

Aside from counselling, I have worked for many years in corporate business environments and therefore understand the pressures for those who work within them. I have experience working with clients whose demands of work have impacted on personal lives and relationships, and those who have experienced redundancy, burnout work place bullying and stress.

Member organisations

Registered / Accredited

Registered / Accredited

Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.

NCPS
National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)

The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society

This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations.

In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.

Accredited register membership

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society
Accredited Register Scheme

The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).

This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.

National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society

Other areas of counselling I deal with

Couples/relationship counselling is a form of therapy that looks to improve communication and resolve issues within an intimate relationship. I trained with Relate and then the Gottman institute and I draw upon my integrative model as well as systemic theory which informs how we behave within relationship systems. I welcome and have experience working with polyamorous relationships and non monogamous relationships.

I aim to help couples and those in relationships  to understand how external factors such as family values, lifestyle and culture can affect relationships and how to communicate in a more constructive way, as well as understanding why arguments escalate and how to negotiate and resolve conflicts where possible.

Fees

£60.00 per session
Free initial telephone or online session

Concessions offered for

  • Low income
  • Trainee counsellors

Additional information

Counselling sessions last 50 minutes.

  • £60 for individuals
  • £75 for couples/relationships

I am happy to discuss fee reductions for clients who are unemployed, low waged or students, please ask. Fees can be settled by cash or bank transfer.

When I work

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Morning
Afternoon
Evening
Night

I can offer flexible appointments during the day and evening.

Further information

My private practice (when is situated at Fairford Leys Doctor's Surgery in Aylesbury. My therapy room is discreet and comfortable as well as conveniently situated, with ample off-street parking and easy access via public transport. I also offer online and telephone sessions.

Fairford Leys Doctor's Surgery, 3 Ashley Court, 65 Kingsgate, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 8GT

Type of session

In person
Online
Phone

Types of client

Young people
Adults
Couples
Employee Assistance Programme

Key details

DBS check

In England and Wales, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB) carry out criminal records checks for individuals working with vulnerable groups, such as children. To find out more, visit gov.uk , or contact this professional directly

My therapy room is up one flight of stairs so not suitable for wheelchair users.

Online platforms

Skype
Whatsapp
Zoom
Laura Benham
Laura Benham