About me
Many people I work with manage life well on the outside — meeting responsibilities, supporting others, and appearing capable — yet internally they struggle with anxiety, self-doubt, or emotional fatigue. Often, there is pressure to keep everything together while parts of themselves remain unheard or unexplored. For those who cope well externally, these hidden struggles can feel isolating and overwhelming.
I am Laura, a trained person-centred counsellor working in Preston, Lancashire or online. I have professional training in counselling and psychotherapy, as well as integrating coaching into my practice. I work collaboratively with each client, creating a safe, warm, and non-judgemental space to explore what’s happening internally. My approach combines reflective listening with practical strategies, helping clients not only understand themselves but also build confidence, overcome self-doubt, and develop sustainable ways of coping.
I specialise in supporting people who experience anxiety and self-doubt beneath a capable exterior. This may present as overthinking, persistent self-criticism, a fear of not being “good enough,” or a sense of disconnection from yourself despite appearing in control. Through counselling, we explore these patterns together, including past experiences that may still be influencing your present thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
Whether you are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply curious about understanding yourself more deeply, I will walk alongside you at your own pace. Counselling with me offers a space to pause, reflect, and reconnect — not to be “fixed,” but to be understood.
I believe we all have the capacity for growth and change when the right conditions are present: empathy, acceptance, and understanding. By weaving together therapy and coaching, I help clients process and make sense of their experiences, develop greater self-confidence and emotional clarity, and foster self-belief. This work is particularly suited to people who are used to coping alone, putting others first, or striving to meet high expectations, and who are now seeking a more compassionate and sustainable way of relating to themselves.
Training, qualifications & experience
Experience
For over 20 years, I’ve dedicated my career to supporting others - first as a teacher and senior leader in schools, and now as a therapist. Working with young people, families, and staff through both their challenges and triumphs taught me so much about resilience, connection, and the power of simply being heard.
During my time as a school Mental Health Lead, I became deeply interested in how our emotional wellbeing shapes how we think, feel, and show up in life. I saw firsthand how stress, self-belief, and change can affect not just performance - but our sense of who we are.
Alongside my work in education, I discovered a passion for psychology and mindset through coaching sports players. Helping athletes explore confidence, motivation, and focus gave me a deep appreciation for how the mind and body work together - and how those same insights can help anyone move towards growth and balance.
That curiosity and love for helping people reach their potential naturally led me to train as a person-centred counsellor and psychotherapist. I now hold a Level 7 Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy and am completing my Master’s research year, focusing on mental health and the impact of therapeutic intervention.
Qualifications
- Current study: MA in Psychotherapy and Counselling
- Level 7 PG Diploma in Psychotherapy and Counselling
- BA (Hons) in Primary Education
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- CPG Golf Psychology Coaching Award
Member organisations
school 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.
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
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.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Therapies offered
Fees
£55.00 per session
Additional information
Sessions usually last for 60 minutes and are typically arranged on a weekly or fortnightly basis, depending on what feels most supportive for you. You are welcome to choose whether sessions take place in person or online via a secure and confidential platform such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams. This flexibility allows the work to fit naturally within your life and circumstances.
Fees for sessions are as follows:
- £60 per 1 hour session, payable at the end of each meeting.
- Discounts are available for children and young people - please get in touch to discuss.
When I work
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Further information
What do I bring as a therapist?
As a person-centred therapist, I offer a warm, accepting space where you can feel truly heard and supported. I combine empathy with active listening, at times drawing on coaching skills to help you explore new perspectives and make meaningful changes. Creativity often plays a part in my work, using imagery or expression to deepen understanding. I’m also committed to ongoing learning, continually developing my awareness of others’ experiences to provide an inclusive and compassionate space for growth.
