About Me
I have significant experience as both a counsellor and a mental health practitioner supporting individuals who find themselves lost, alone, confused, stuck, depressed or overwhelmed.
How I Can Help?
I can offer a confidential space for you to explore any issues or problems you are facing. A safe place where talking to a professional will give you a better understanding of 'yourself' to help you solve any difficulties you are experiencing.
During the counselling process things may become clearer, new understandings about what it is preventing you from living more fully will emerge, alongside new possibilities for living a richer, more fulfilling life. The process will highlight opportunities for making positive change.
By exploring your situation in a safe and non-judgemental welcoming environment, together we can search for new possibilities. Where you can be heard, a space where you can speak, feel and think freely, perhaps for the first time.
What Can I help with?
Addictions
ADHD & Autism
Anger management & aggression
Anxiety
Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Career support
Child sexual exploration (CSE)
Depression & feelings of emptiness
Eating Disorders
Family conflict & issues
Feeling sad, low mood
Grief, bereavement & loss
Loneliness
Low self confidence & low self esteem
Miscarriage
Obsessive thoughts & compulsions (OCD)
Panic attacks
Personality disorders
Phobias
Physical/sexual/emotional abuse
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Rape
Recovery from physical illness
Redundancy
Relationship issues/affairs/separation/divorce
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Self-harm
Sexuality, LGBTQ+
Stress
Suicidal thoughts & ideations
Trauma
Workplace/college bullying
I work by creating an environment where individuals feel safe to explore their worries, concerns or past traumas in a non judgmental, relaxed and comfortable way. By addressing and reflecting on past experiences individuals are often able to move forward positively and with a greater understanding of self and patterns of behaviour.
I aim to provide emotional support by helping you to improve your overall mental health and well-being.
How do I practice?
I strongly believe that all individuals are capable of growth and positive change. During sessions, I provide a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space for clients to discuss whatever they want to. I aim to support clients to work through their feelings and struggles, whilst enabling them to remain in control. Sessions can be via live chat, call or live video call.
Counselling sessions are either 30 or 45 minutes in length.
I am licensed in the UK.
I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.
Please note I do not have availability on Saturdays or Sundays.
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, LGBT, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Grief, Eating disorders, Anger management, Depression, Compassion fatigue, Abandonment, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Attachment Issues, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Body Image, Caregiver Issues and Stress, Codependency, Commitment Issues, Communication Problems, Control Issues, Dissociation, Divorce and Separation, Domestic Violence, Eating and Food-Related Issues, Emptiness, Family of Origin Issues, Family Problems, First Responder Issues, Forgiveness, Gender Dysphoria, Guilt and Shame, HIV / AIDS, Impulsivity, Isolation / Loneliness, Jealousy, Life Purpose, Midlife Crisis, Mood Disorders, Narcissism, Obsessions, Compulsions, and OCD, Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks, Paranoia, Personality Disorders, Phobias, Polyamory / Nonmonogamous Relationships, Post-traumatic Stress, Self-Harm, Self-Love, Sexual Assault and Abuse, Sexuality, Social Anxiety and Phobia, Women's Issues, Workplace Issues, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
BACP Therapist - Registered Member MBACP #393930
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Laura West. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
My therapy sessions with Laura have been very good and I would recommend her and the better help service to anyone in need of support. She understands my issues and problems well and we discuss possible solutions to mitigate them.
Written on Sep 18, 2023 after therapy with laura for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, and anger management
My sessions with Laura are very helpful. She is able to introduce a variety of approaches and techniques that I'm finding useful. I would certainly recommend her for anyone looking for a therapist through Better Help.
Written on May 18, 2023 after therapy with laura for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes
