Lauren Carter
Every professional displayed on Counselling Directory has been independently verified by our team to ensure they have suitable credentials to practise.
This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Hello, I'm Lauren.
I believe, there isn’t anybody that couldn’t benefit from an hour a week, dedicated to them, especially at times when life feels too much to handle on our own. We are all born needing to feel connected.
My top priority as a therapist is to create a safe space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings and emotions without judgement. Being seen, believed and supported can help enormously.
There’s no issue that’s too big or too small to seek support for. I am passionate about normalising conversations around mental health to remove the stigma that is often associated with having therapy.
I believe nobody knows you better than you. It is up to you to tell me what it is like to be you and I will be there on your journey to listen. You are the expert in the room. Together, we will work collaboratively to support you to reach your desired goals.
Starting with a therapist can feel daunting, especially if it is your first time accessing therapy. My goal is to help you take those first steps towards meaningful change.
I have a private practice just outside of Maidstone (Chart Sutton), I offer individual counselling at a NHS Medical Centre in Sittingbourne and I work for Kenward Trust, an addiction rehabilitation centre.
Please take a look at my website: www.innerbalancecounsellingkent.co.uk for more information.
What will our first session look like?
Our first session is an opportunity to meet each other and see how you feel about working with me.
There are some standard questions I go through with you, as well as explaining about confidentiality.
Most of the session will be about giving you space to tell me what has bought you to therapy and us exploring together how it could help you. Any questions are welcome.
We can also discuss any apprehension you may feel about therapy, alongside any expectations you may have.
Please contact me today for your free up to 30-minute telephone consultation.
Training, qualifications & experience
My professional experience working within mental and emotional well-being spans over 16 years.
Training and Qualifications:
- Level 6 Diploma in Integrative Counselling (Achieved Distinction)
Course Accredited by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy; Inter-Psyche NHS Kent and Medway Partnership Trust - BSc Honours Degree in Applied Psychology and Sociology (Achieved Upper 2:1). BPS Accredited qualification. University of Surrey, Guildford.
- Certificate in Counselling Skills (1 year programme)
Inter-Psyche Training Institute, NHS Kent and Medway Partnership Trust - Motivational Interviewing Training
- Restorative Training
- Registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and Graduate member of the British Psychological Society (BPS)
As a member of both the BACP and the BPS, I adhere to their ethical frameworks and codes of conduct.
My therapeutic approach draws on techniques from different types of therapy, so I can tailor my work specifically to you. I am trained in a number of modalities including Person-Centred, Psychodynamic, Existential and Cognitive (CBT) approaches. I also use mindfulness and breathing techniques, where appropriate, to support my clients with being present in the moment and transform the way they relate to and manage emotional and/or physical pain.
I believe there isn’t just one therapeutic approach that can help you. My flexible approach helps to foster a safe and nurturing environment for personal growth and healing. My practice also draws on embodied and somatic approaches to trauma, which means I use the body as a tool for deeper healing and self-awareness.
I believe our earliest relationships and childhood experiences are significant to how we approach our relationships and live our lives in later years. I therefore believe it can be valuable to reflect on aspects of your early experiences in therapy. I will always be led by you in our sessions. Time spent exploring your past can support you to move away from outdated early survival strategies and beliefs that helped keep you safe in the past, but now, are no longer be helpful to you.
Member organisations
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
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
£60.00 per session
Free initial telephone session
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Individual therapy sessions are charged at £60 for a 50-minute session.
Reduced rates are available for longer-term therapy (12 or more sessions).
A small number of concessionary rates are available, please contact me to discuss.
When I work
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | |||||||
| Afternoon | |||||||
| Evening | |||||||
| Night |
Further information
I offer face-to-face counselling in the Maidstone area (a rural setting, in Chart Sutton). It's a quiet, confidential environment, with a comfortable sofa.
I offer face-to-face, individual counselling at Green Porch and Newington NHS Medical Centres in Sittingbourne, within a confidential space.
I also work at a rehabilitation centre, supporting clients with addiction.
Please contact me to arrange your free up to 30-minute phone consultation, where we can discuss your individual needs in detail.
