Laura Harding

Searching for a therapist can feel daunting as you look through directories for someone who you feel you could work with. This may be the first time that you have reached out for support to work through personal challenges. Therefore, it is crucial that you feel safe & confident in building & establishing a therapeutic relationship to help facilitate the counselling work.

My ultimate goal is to offer a regulating environment that includes a felt experience of compassion and understanding so that you can feel heard & accepted. Whilst talking therapies often focus purely on the mind, I aim to bring about a connection of both mind & body to achieve regulation through a somatic approach to the counselling work; this is achieved using Polyvagal as well as other psychological approaches such as Person-Centred, Psychodynamic Theory, CBT & Internal Family Systems.

Integrating Polyvagal Theory into therapeutic work offers profound benefits by enhancing the understanding of how our nervous system impacts emotional & relational experiences. This helps to identify & address the physiological roots of stress & trauma, facilitating more effective emotional regulation & resilience. By creating a safe & supportive environment, you can learn to transition from states of anxiety or shutdown to calm & connection, improving your ability to engage in daily life.  

If you are ready to embark on a journey toward greater well-being & self-understanding, I am here to support you every step of the way.

• Insight into challenges, develop coping skills, & work towards making positive changes & healthy coping mechanisms
• Identify & explore patterns, triggers for recurrent thoughts, emotions & behaviours with the role of the nervous system
• Improve communication & problem-solving skills, as well as strengthen relationships with others
• Rediscover true self, unique qualities, personal & strengths

My private practice is based from a home office.

I run private practice on a Tuesday and Friday (with some exceptions on other week days).

Sessions last for 50 minutes.

There is parking availability.

Qualifications & Training

Level 4 – Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling - CPCAB

Level 6, Trauma Informed Therapy - CPCAB

In addition to my private practice, I also work at several independent school settings promoting and supporting the mental health and well-being of young people and adults. 

After the initial email, I would like to organise a suitable and agreeable time to discuss your needs, thoughts and expectations on the phone. 

During this free, 15 minute conversation, I will ask some generic questions which will help me to form a basic assessment of presenting issues and needs.

It is a great opportunity to:

• Discuss how you feel about accessing therapy.
• Ask any questions about the counselling work.
• Discover how comfortable you feel talking on the phone with me - a gauge for compatibility and comfortableness. 
• After this telephone call, I will send two documents to complete - A client assessment form and counselling agreement alongside some available time sessions.