Hi, I'm Laura Duester MA MNCS (Accred). I'm a qualified and accredited counsellor and psychotherapist, providing one-to-one sessions online and in Bicester, Oxfordshire.

Whatever you're struggling with, I provide a safe, supportive and empathetic space where you can think about yourself and your difficulties. I'll help you to speak about and process painful feelings, including sadness, guilt, fear and anger. I’ll also encourage you to find your strengths, challenge self-doubt, and discover what truly makes you happy.

I will share my insights and reflections to help you understand yourself better and make positive changes in your life. Therapy will always follow the pace you’re comfortable with, giving you time and space to reflect on your situation and consider the best way forward.

I'm trained in a variety of different counselling styles and tailor my approach according to each client's individual needs.

The type of counselling that's most useful to you is likely to vary over time. Sometimes, you may just want to talk with a kind and impartial listener. At other times, you may prefer to dig deep into your problems and gain understanding, with me acting as fellow detective to help you work out what's going on. Sometimes, a more practical, solution-focused approach with goals, activies and coping strategies will be most helpful. We will always work together to find out what works best for you.

My main training is in psychodynamic counselling, which sees the ‘psyche’ – a difficult word to translate, encompassing the self, thoughts, emotions, soul and mind – as constantly active and changing. Psychodynamic theory is based on part of the mind being unconscious, with experiences during childhood shaping the way in which people behave, think and experience life. However, I also draw on humanist, existential, positive psychology, CBT, creative and other approaches to help clients overcome problems and difficulties.

I've experienced the huge benefits of counselling many, many times - both as a patient and psychotherapist. I'm extremely passionate about mental health and love giving people the support they need to find self-acceptance and live a satisfying and meaningful life. I help a wide range of people with a variety of issues, but have a particular interest in working with students and dancers.

It can be extremely daunting to contact a counsellor or psychotherapist; you may fear being judged or be unsure what to say. But I’ve seen countless people who’ve said reaching out to a counsellor was the best thing they’ve ever done. Please get in touch to book a session or ask any questions.