Dr Lauren Forrest
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This professional is available for new clients.
This professional is available for new clients.
About me
Hello, I'm Lauren, a Highly Specialist Perinatal Clinical Psychologist. I am also a wife and a mum of 3, so I truly understand the joy but also the unique challenges the perinatal period throws up.
Are you struggling with the aftermath of a difficult or traumatic birth or neonatal experience? Are you fearful of birth? Are you worrying about your baby's health and wellbeing? Are you navigating pregnancy after the loss? Perhaps you are experiencing intrusive thoughts and engaging in excessive checking behaviours. Are you feeling exhausted, overwhelmed or touched out?
Are you feeling anxious about lots of different thing in the postpartum period? Perhaps you are dealing with resurfaced childhood issues from your own experiences of being parented. Are you experiencing anger /rage? Are you feeling disconnected or experiencing difficulties bonding with your baby?
You may be grieving aspects of your pre-baby self and struggling with your identity now you are a parent (feeling lost in motherhood). If any of this resonates with you, please get in touch to chat more about how I can help you. I will offer a warm and compassionate space where you feel heard, seen and validated.
What to expect from the first session
Attending therapy can be daunting. It can often be helpful to have some idea of what to expect. My therapy style is warm, gentle and compassionate. We will talk about your life experiences, home life, school experiences, family makeup etc. we will explore together how your current difficulties are impacting on your day to day life, and what you hope to be different. We will also talk about whether you have had any difficulties with your emotional wellbeing in the past and if you have accessed any support for this. We will then talk about the types of therapy I offer and how they can be helpful. I can answer any questions you might have, and we can develop a personalised plan.
Training, qualifications & experience
As a Clinical Psychologist, I have had extensive postgraduate training across the lifespan. This means that I am skilled in assessment and formulation and can develop a shared understanding of what has contributed to you feeling this way.
I'm skilled in a range of evidence based approaches (EMDR, TFCBT and CBT) which means we can develop a personalised plan - whatever your needs and goals may be.
I have also undertaken further specialist training in perinatal and infant mental health including:
- Perinatal Loss and Grief
- Trauma focused CBT in the perinatal context
- Depression in the perinatal context
- Newborn Behavioural Observation
- Video Interactive Guidance (VIG)
- Infant Mental Health Online- University of Warwick
- Online therapy is offered to anyone in UK online using zoom.
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 HCPC are an independent, UK-wide health regulator. They set standards of professional training, performance and conduct for 16 professions.
They keep a register of health professionals who meet their standards, and they take action if registered health professionals fall below those standards. They were created by a piece of legislation called the Health Professions Order 2001.
Registration means that a health professional meets national standards for their professional training, performance and conduct.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
- Transition and adjustment to parenthood
- Navigating pregnancy after loss
- Fear of birth
- Self-criticism
- Guilt/shame
- Overwhelm
- Burnout
- Intrusive thoughts
- Isolation/loneliness
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
£120.00 per session
Free initial telephone or online session
Health Insurance/EAP
Additional information
Fees are payable by bank transfer
Further information
I offer a free initial introductory telephone or video call. This initial no obligation chat is an opportunity for us to determine what type of treatment would be appropriate for you, and a chance for you to see if I am the right therapist for you.
After this initial consultation you feel it is the right time, and we are a good fit we will book in our first session.
