Laura Cooper

Laura is a highly experienced Counsellor and Sexual & Gender Diversities Therapist working with Individuals (LGBTQAI+, Heterosexual & Questioning) in a professional, discreet and confidential environment (Online). 

She also works with people on the Autism Spectrum / Neuro-divergent, mainly Aspergers & AD(H)D (both diagnosed and undiagnosed).

Her approach is Relational, Integrative, collaborative and Person-centred with a Transpersonal perspective. She also offers Art Therapy as part of the counselling experience. She builds on clients’ strengths, as well as getting to the core of their problems. Her clients feel that their therapy effectively addresses their concerns and issues, whilst gaining greater self-awareness, personal confidence, clearer understanding of themselves and their situation, and the ability to make real positive change.

Sometimes, words are simply not enough. In addition to Talking Therapy, she offers Creative Therapeutic Tools (Art Therapy) as part of the counselling  session (only where mutually agreed) such as drawing & painting /creative journaling / reflective, autobiographical & metaphorical writing / slow stitch & textiles art making / social scripting techniques / to support and develop each client's inner resourcefulness, self care, well being and expression in ways that are reparative and empowering.

(Extract of client testimonial):

'I found Laura to be knowledgeable, compassionate and non-judgemental. Her professional and warm manner put me at ease and I quickly felt confident enough to share things about myself that I had never discussed with anyone before. Over the weeks, she has enabled me to open my mind and heart to the many possibilities that I have discovered do exist outside my doubts and fears. In the process, I have regained my confidence and found my True Self!'

How I work:
The aim of our work together is to provide a safe time and place for you to explore your issues. My approach is compassionate and grounded, one of exploration, understanding and empathy through sensitive listening and reflective dialogue, towards building a mutual alliance of openness, honesty and trust. At the heart of our counselling relationship are confidentiality, respect, safety and clear boundaries. My work is underpinned by a deep belief that we are each searching for wellbeing and personal meaning, to make sense of our everyday lives and practical ways to implement this, no matter what problems we face.

Laura integrates her counselling experience and creative skills in ways to help build self-esteem, confidence, self-help, improved communication skills and self-reliability.

LGBTQ-affirmative Therapy:
(Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Pansexual, Non-Binary, Asexual, Poly & Questioning) including depression, stress, anxiety, anger, isolation, low self-esteem and building confidence, relationships, 'coming-out', bullying, work-related, personal/spiritual/cultural conflict, gender re-assignment (pre- and post-op), exploring identity(ies) and lifestyle towards self-acceptance and integration into a personally meaningful life with other people.

Also supporting partners and families of gender-variant and gay people, where appropriate.

Midlife Counselling
External events beyond our control can sometimes precipitate crisis, including reaching Midlife. This often confusing phase of our life - whether Menopause or Andropause - profoundly effects our mental, physical and emotional processes and personal identity. Making sense of things at this time can be extremely difficult. Laura will provide you with support, knowledge and skilful listening, alongside her unique warmth and humour, while guiding you through the thorny territory of the taboos of sexual change.  Here, you will explore the deeper spiritual significance of the ageing process, helping you discover renewed power and a deeper understanding of your potential and Self.

'Why do I feel unhappy?'
Often, however, there is nothing specific that seems to be causing someone pain and suffering. Chronic feelings of loneliness, unhappiness, shame, despair and depression frequently persist without obvious reasons or causes. Some people simply feel they are drifting, feel empty and yearn for a deeper sense of meaning and purpose in their lives.

Laura’s skill and passion lies in enabling others to begin to trust in themselves, often for the first time, to face life's challenges with courage and greater self-understanding, to experience the benefits of and learn to utilise invaluable tools that harness positive change, resulting in more informed decision making and ability to embrace real life choice.

There is no ‘right reason’ to start therapy nor ‘right time’. Struggling with any aspect of your life is something that therapy can aid you with.

(Extract of 2 client testimonials):

'Meeting Laura, I gained a much better understanding of who I am as one person, not a male or a female but just me. Laura's approach and willingness to facilitate open and honest dialogue helped me to unlock any fears and start to move forwards. I am proud of who I am and now meld my femininity into everyday life to the benefit of my friends, family and colleagues'.

'Laura; you have enabled me to move forward in a way that I would never have thought possible after almost 50 years of trying to cope with my transsexualism. The truth is you have helped me more within the space of a few sessions than anyone else ever has. I simply can't thank you enough'.

One-to-one: £60 per 60-minute session.