Laura Bates

• Monday & Tuesday evening, Thursday daytime in Steyning.
• Online & walking appointments are flexible to suit your needs.

Hello you, I'm so glad you're here. My name is Laura, an experienced, BACP Registered Counsellor offering a gentle, down-to-earth therapy space for adults and young people in the beautiful village of Steyning. Whether we sit together indoors, chat online, or walk through nature, I bring a kind, sincere, and non-judgemental approach to our time together. If you’re ready to take that first step, pop me a message for a free introductory session. You truly deserve support.

Humanistic Counselling

As a Humanistic Counsellor, I believe deeply in your natural ability to find hope, to grow and to heal. I see my role as offering a warm, safe and compassionate space where you can feel truly seen and supported as we gently explore your struggles together and find a way forward. I celebrate each client's unique nature, working with your wonderful skills and talents to help you live your life more fully.

I see people who experience many different struggles like anxiety, depression, grief, low self-esteem, family and relationship issues. I also have extensive experience in working with neurodiverse clients, and am dedicated to adapting my practice to suit your individual needs. At the heart of my work is a commitment to walk beside you, to truly hear you without judgment, and to offer compassion and respect every step of the way.

Young Person Counselling

I offer a warm, supportive space for young people of secondary school age and have extensive experience in helping them navigate the ups and downs of life. I take time to really listen to their perspective and build a trusting relationship where they feel safe to open up. 

Walk & Talk Therapy

If you feel more at home outdoors, walking counselling could be a wonderful option for you. Stepping outside for therapy can naturally ease anxiety and often feels more comfortable than sitting face to face. Walking side by side creates a gentle rhythm, that encourages thoughts and feelings to unfold more freely as we wander together.

Low-Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

I am qualified to offer you Low-Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (LI-CBT), which I often weave into my counselling work when it feels appropriate or when requested. This approach involves gently exploring how you're thinking, feeling, and responding to a particular situation or difficulty. Then working together to develop practical, evidence-based strategies that can help you manage daily challenges more effectively. 

I offer free introductory sessions up to 30 mins and can be in person, video or telephone calls.