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’m an Integrative Humanistic Psychotherapeutic Counsellor which means that I work in partnership with my clients whatever their age.  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. Or just to be there to listen and provide a positive social support via an effective and warm therapeutic relationship. When working with children and young people it’s important to be creative in the work with them and to tap into whatever therapeutic support they need from me. Every client needs a unique and individual approach. 

I am a Psychotherapeutic Counsellor and Psychotherapist (MBACP /UKCP Reg) and work with adults, children, and young people. At present my clients vary in age from 4 to 100! Yes really! After spending many years working with children in a variety of educational settings from Early Years to KS4, I presently split my time between the beautiful coastal village of Coldingham, Berwickshire, and the stunning spa town of Harrogate, North Yorkshire, where I work both in person and online with my clients.  I’m nearing the end of an MSc in Integrative Psychotherapy after gaining Diplomas in Psychotherapy and Psychotherapeutic Counselling with children, adults, and young people. However, when all is said and done, the most important aspect of any therapy is the relationship between the client and the therapist. 

After our brief phone chat our first 50 minute session will be more of a fact finding mission for both the 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!)