Laura Murtagh
HDIP | PGCE | MBACP
About Me
I am a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist with a private practice in Broadstairs. I offer therapy to adults and young people. I have also undertaken specialist online training so I am well-equipped to work online for those who prefer this platform or live further afield.
As well as my private practice, I work as a school counsellor for a large Central London secondary school and have previously worked as a secondary school teacher for the past 17 years.
My approach to counselling is based in humanistic theories and I am dedicated to being mindful of how diversity and difference can impact my clients in order to practice ethically and effectively.
What do I offer?
I offer person-centred counselling and psychotherapy for adults and young people working with a wide range of issues giving them the support they need.
Person-Centred Counselling
As a person-centred therapist, I offer you support and care to focus on your own needs, preferences and goals. I put you, the individual at the centre of your own process, empowering you to make your own choices based on your own circumstances and values. Working together, we will build a relationship of trust and respect, within which I can recognise and value your experiences and perspective whilst supporting you in your choices. Whether you opt for online sessions or come to my therapy room, I provide a safe and nurturing environment tailored to you and your needs. With a genuine, non-judgemental and empathic approach to my work, I will walk alongside you to support you in making choices and decisions that will give you a sense of emotional wellbeing.
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Individual Counselling
An enriching psychotherapeutic experience is very dependent on the working relationship between the client and therapist. For this reason it is essential that I ensure that my clients feel comfortable working with me, and that I have the skills to be able to facilitate therapeutic change.
Initial Phone Consultation (Free of charge)
We start with an initial free of charge 20 minute phone consultation, where we can ask questions and determine whether my way of working is the right fit for you. We can at this stage, if appropriate book your first face to face session. (Either online or in person.)
First Session (charged at the standard fee)
In our first session, (which is typically 50 minutes long) I will begin by asking some administrative questions regarding your address, date of birth and other details necessary to begin our work together. Near the end of the first session, we will determine whether you would like short-term or open-ended therapy and with what frequency. At this stage we will book in subsequent sessions if you feel comfortable to do so. There is no obligation to continue to book any further sessions, but if you’re ready to, we can book weekly or fortnightly sessions, depending on your preference.
Weekly/Fortnightly Sessions
On the whole, I offer weekly or fortnightly therapy. Although there is opportunity for past clients to schedule one-off sessions, (this is only if they have been in long-term therapy with me before.)
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Missing or re-scheduling sessions
If a session cannot be attended, 48 hours notice is required. Sessions not attended without 48 hours notice will be charged at my usual rate. I will endeavour to find an alternative appointment time, although that may not always be possible within the same week.
Young People (16-18 year olds)
As well as a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist, I am also a qualified teacher with 17 years’ experience of working in secondary education. I hold an up to date DBS that allows me to work with young clients.
Now, more than ever the challenges faced by young people have resulted in struggles with mental health and wellbeing. My approach to working with young people is very nurturing and if possible I would recommended that the young person attends their sessions in person in my tranquil therapy room.
My approach is to create a safe, non-judgemental and empathic environment within which young clients can explore thoughts and feelings as I support them as they work through difficult thought processes and in some cases challenging experiences either in the past or present.
I am also able to work with creative media (either art, sound or drama) as an alternative medium for young people to access therapeutic change. This can be bespokely tailored to each client and can be discussed in the initial phone consultation.
Initial Phone Consultation (Free of charge)
I start with an initial free of charge 20 minute conversation over the phone with a parent/carer, where we can ask questions and determine whether my way of working is the right fit for your young person. I recommend that after initial introductions with a parent/carer – I speak with the client on their own, so they can ask any questions they may have. We can at this stage, if appropriate book the first face to face session.
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First Session (charged at the standard fee)
In the first session, (which is typically 50 minutes long) I will begin by asking some administrative questions regarding your young person’s address, date of birth and other details necessary to begin our work together. If appropriate, the parent/carer is very welcome to accompany their young person at this point. However, as the session begins, it is important that the young person is able to access the session independently of their parent/carer. After the session has drawn to a close, we will book in some subsequent sessions if appropriate. There is no obligation to continue to book any further sessions, but if you’re comfortable in doing so, we can book weekly or fortnightly sessions, depending on preference.
Weekly/Fortnightly Sessions
On the whole, I offer weekly or fortnightly therapy. Although there is opportunity for past clients to schedule one-off sessions, (this is only if they have been in long-term therapy with me before.)
I work with:-
Relationships
Anxiety
Depression
Loss
Career/Work-Related Issues
Low Self-Esteem
LGBTQIA+
Self-Harm
Suicidal Thoughts
Trauma
My Fees
Individual Counselling
£65 a session
(50 Minutes)
Concessional rate (OAPS and Students)
£55 a session
(50 Minutes)
Training & Qualifications
Higher Professional Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy
(Distinction Grade) Lewisham Counselling and Counselling Training Associates (BACP Acred)
Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Studies
(CPCAB) Lewisham Counselling and Counselling Training Associates (BACP Acred)
Postgraduate Certification in Education
(PGCE 11-18 year olds) University of London
Continuing Professional Development
in Understanding Suicide and Suicide Prevention, Expression and Release of Anger, Person-Centred Expressive Media Skills, Effective facilitation of Groups, Effective Skills Observations in Counselling and Psychotherapeutic training, Assessing Clients in Counselling Psychotherapy.
Clinical Experience
Volunteering
for a counselling agency with clients’ who have experienced addiction and substance misuse.
School Counsellor
Working as a school counsellor as the clinical lead for a large secondary school.
Memberships
Registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
Registration Number: 400856
"The healer you have been looking for is your own courage to know and love yourself completely"
Yung Pueblo
Get in Touch
Address: Bradstow Way,
Broadstairs, CT10 1AH
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Tel: 01843 793346
(Please be aware that due to the nature of my work, I may not always be able to pick up the phone, but please leave a message.)