Laura Neiva Herrera
Art therapy psychotherapistAbout Me
I am a qualified Art Psychotherapist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. I have over 7 years of clinical experience working with children, young people and adults in NHS settings. My training is underpinned by the principles and practices of psychodynamic psychotherapy practised within the context of mental health care.
I believe that therapy is a collaborative process, a safe space where you can be listened to without judgement and be supported through challenging times. Therapy is an opportunity for you to gain self-awareness, give meaning to emotional pain and resolve internal conflicts that have a negative effect in your well-being.
Reaching out for help when feeling in distress takes determination and courage, it is never easy but you do not have to do it all alone. In therapy, we can look at things from different perspectives and make sense of what you are going through. Together we can explore those aspects affecting your sense of self and work through current difficulties.
I have specialised in offering evidence based practice interventions to people facing difficulties due to traumatic experiences, low mood/depression, loss, bereavement, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, self-harming behaviours, gender identity, selective mutism, social communication and neurodiversity (including Autism).
As an Art Psychotherapist I encourage the use of creative practices to enhance the experience of communication when it may feel like words are not enough. Art Therapy (also known as Art Psychotherapy) provides an accessible and safe way to engage with difficult emotions and it facilitates the exploration and better understanding of your internal world.
Art Therapy is beneficial for people of any age and you do not need to have any experience or special skill in art as the focus is not on aesthetics.
Issues often worked with
Therapy offered
Client groups
Fees
It is possible to have a 15 mins initial consultation by phone in order to decide whether it would be appropriate to move forward with an initial assessment appointment. If you decide you would like to book an appointment my fees are as follows:
Initial assessments (90 mins) £85
Individual therapy sessions (50 mins) £60
I offer some concessions for students and low income clients, please ask me about this if you would like to discuss further.
Training and qualifications
I completed my Art Psychotherapy training at Goldsmiths University of London. Although my training is based in psychoanalytic theories, my approach is inspired by theories such as attachment-based psychotherapy, client-centred approaches such as psycho-educational, mindfulness and mentalization-based treatments, compassion-focussed and cognitive analytic therapies. The way I trained has helped me to be able to offer a tailored approach to suit each client’s needs which is agreed and reviewed throughout the therapeutic process.
I undertake continuous professional development training courses, ongoing supervision and keep abreast of contemporaneous methods and research in analytical practice. I also have a special interest in neuroscience as this has now proven many significant benefits of Art Therapy in mental health.
I am a member of the British Association of Art Therapists. I also offer supervision for other therapists and trainees.
Verified professional membership
