Meet the Therapist: Laura Green
Laura Green is a counsellor in Stoke-on-Trent and online
What attracted you to become a therapist?
Having my own personal therapy at a difficult period in my life had such a powerful impact on me, that I decided I wanted to be able to support people in the way my therapist had done for me.
Where did you train?
Keele University in Staffordshire.
Can you tell us about the type of therapy you practise?
I am a person-centred therapist, which means that I believe the client has within themselves the resources and insight needed for growth and change. Sessions are client-led and mainly non-directive. I like to think of this type of therapy as empowering the client to become their own therapist.
I also offer creative counselling sessions, if a client is interested in using art to explore issues. I have a passion for art, and find this a really powerful way of getting in touch with parts of self which may be hidden and difficult to express with words.
I am very excited to be starting walk & talk therapy very soon! This is basically counselling whilst walking in a natural setting such as a park or forest. I love nature, and find being outdoors hugely beneficial, especially during a pandemic.
How does person-centred therapy help with bereavement and grief?
Person-centred counselling helps with bereavement/loss because it starts with the client’s own experience of grief, rather than with a particular grief theory (although knowledge of the different theories does often help). This means the client feels that their experience is valid and heard without judgement, and they can acknowledge, accept and process whatever emotions they might be going through.
What sort of people do you usually see?
I work with adults on an individual basis. Bereavement can happen at any stage of life, so I work with a wide range of ages, however more recently I have begun to work with parents who have experienced a miscarriage, stillbirth, or other pregnancy/birth related issues such as a traumatic birth or post-natal depression. This often tends to be women, however more men are beginning to seek support too.
What do you like about being a therapist?
As a therapist, it is such a privilege to have a client open up and share their lives with you. I really appreciate the powerful work that can happen when a trusting therapeutic relationship is established. I learn so much from my clients as well.
What is less pleasant?
Working as a therapist can be a lonely road, particularly during lockdown when all of my work has been remote. I find that attending CPD and peer supervision is a great way to counter this, and feel connected with other therapists who may be feeling the same way.
How long you’ve been with welldoing.org and what you think of us?
I have been with welldoing.org for almost a year. The website is really easy to use and there are loads of resources, articles and tips. It’s easy to communicate with clients through the site too. Whenever I’ve needed any support, the staff at welldoing.org have been friendly, and quick to help me out.
Do you ever suggest books or apps to clients?
I have recommended the Headspace app to clients.
What you do for your own mental health?
As mentioned, I do a lot of art, and I also love walking in the countryside. Journaling is helpful too; I find I can usually process difficult thoughts and emotions by writing them down. I have also found that maintaining a healthy balance in all areas of life is so important.
You are a therapist in Stoke-On-Trent. What can you share with us about seeing clients in that area?
I am based in Stoke-On-Trent in Staffordshire. However, all my work has been online during the pandemic, so I see clients from all over the country.
What’s your consultation room like?
At the moment I am working remotely from home. However, as restrictions lift and we emerge from lockdown, I am hoping to find a new base to begin seeing clients face-to-face. This will inevitably have an area for clients to work creatively, with lots of exciting creative resources.
My other consultation room is the great outdoors! I will begin seeing clients at one of several beautiful locations, which I am lucky enough to have on my doorstep, despite living in a city.
What do you wish people knew about therapy?
That having therapy is nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed about. That it is perfectly normal to feel difficult or confusing emotions in response to the challenges we face at different stages of our life. It is perfectly acceptable to reach out for help, and that it’s a strong and empowering thing to do.
What did you learn about yourself in therapy?
I learnt to accept certain things about myself instead of criticising them. I learnt that it’s OK to get things wrong, take risks and voice my needs.
