Laura Keay

My work times vary to facilitate children, young people, and adults after school and work.  However, due to growing awareness and demand it is becoming commonplace for students to access therapy during school hours. Schools are showing increasing flexibility in supporting students' access to mental health support and have many clients from a variety of schools in the area. It's always best for us to have a chat first to explore the possibilities and to see what we can sort out between us.  This is a very personal and individual experience and not a 'one size fits all' approach. I usually try and meet clients needs as I appreciate the session time needs to 'work' for you and your commitments. 

I am a qualified and experienced EMDR Practitioner and have trained to work with Adults, Young People and Children (EMDR UK), who have experienced a wide range of traumas, anxiety, phobias, emetophobia, sexual trauma, physical abuse, domestic abuse, harmful eating and many other disturbing and challenging presentations. EMDR is an extensively researched global form of psychotherapy used to treat psychological distress caused by traumatic events and other trauma related conditions. It is recommended by WHO and NICE for many of the challenges that people come to therapy looking for help with. As an Integrative Humanistic Psychotherapist and Psychotherapeutic Counsellor, I work in partnership with my clients whatever their age.  I work from predominately a Humanistic  perspective which emphasises the individuals unique experiences, potential for growth and free will in shaping their own lives. My aim is to help encourage clients to change their state of mind and behaviour from one set of self defeating reactions to healthier ones, facilitating more productive self-awareness and thoughtful actions. This work is powerful and life changing. For some clients, just having someone to listen and provide a positive social support via an effective and warm therapeutic relationship is healing. I work creatively and quickly attune myself with whatever therapeutic support clients need. Every client needs a unique and individual approach. This is a partnership, and one that involves commitment and engagement from us both to bring about life changing beliefs, responses and behaviours. 

I am a qualified EMDR Practitioner, an accredited Psychotherapeutic Counsellor and accredited Psychotherapist (MBACP /UKCP Reg/ EMDR UK Assoc) working with adults, children, and young people. My clientele age varies from 4 to 100! Yes really! I have worked with many clients across the UK over the years, but now, after spending many of those years working in private practice, educational settings (Early Years to KS5 in the private and state sector) and the third sector,  I have returned to my family home in the beautiful coastal village of Coldingham, Berwickshire, working in person and online.  I also spend much of my time working for a Counselling Charity in the area. Over the years I have gained not only a MSc in Integrative Psychotherapy, but Diplomas in Psychotherapy and Psychotherapeutic Counselling and am a qualified EMDR Practitioner, working with all age groups. I strive to stay on top of up to date research and evidence based theories.  I use this academic underpinning of my work to support the basic human to human attunement needed when working with clients. However, when all is said and done, research points to the most important aspect of any therapy being that of the relationship between the client and the therapist, and this for me, is the core belief of all of my work. 

After our brief phone consultation our first 50 minute session will be more of a fact finding mission for both you and me. Many people can feel tense at this point but it’s important to know that this is normal and I aim to put you at ease within a few moments of us meeting each other, whatever your age. First sessions with children and young people may vary from those with adults as there’s a lot more play and a lot less talking (generally) but I am happy to explain how it works during our phone conversation. (Please note - play not exclusive to children!)