Laura West

I currently have limited availability for new clients for couples counselling. Sessions are offered face-to-face in Wakefield city centre, as well as online.

My working hours are:

Monday to Thursday: 8am – 7pm

I aim to offer flexible appointment times where possible, including some evening sessions to support those with work or family commitments.

If my diary becomes full, I will always offer to place you on a waiting list and keep you updated as soon as a space becomes available.

Planned time off will always be communicated in advance during our work together to ensure continuity and support. If I have any upcoming leave at the point of your enquiry, I will let you know and discuss options with you.

If you’re unsure about availability or would like to explore starting counselling, you’re very welcome to get in touch.

I offer a supportive, structured space for couples to explore what’s happening in their relationship and begin to understand each other more deeply. My approach is collaborative and non-judgemental, helping both partners feel heard, respected, and emotionally safe.

I work integratively, with a strong foundation in person-centred therapy, alongside elements of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and The Gottman Method. This means I support couples to move beyond surface-level conflict and begin to understand the emotional patterns underneath, such as feelings of disconnection, hurt or unmet needs.

In our sessions, I help you to:

* Slow down and de-escalate conflict

* Recognise and understand negative cycles or patterns

* Improve communication and listening

* Express thoughts and feelings more openly and safely

* Rebuild trust, connection, and emotional intimacy

I may gently guide conversations when needed, particularly if things become heightened, to ensure sessions remain safe and productive for both partners. I also offer tools and strategies to support you between sessions, where appropriate.

Whether you are facing ongoing conflict, feeling distant, navigating a betrayal, or simply wanting to strengthen your relationship, we will work together at a pace that feels manageable for you both. The focus is not on taking sides, but on helping you understand each other and find a way forward that feels right for your relationship.

I offer a warm, safe, and confidential space where you can feel supported to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgement. I understand that starting counselling can feel like a big step, so I aim to create an environment where you feel at ease and able to go at your own pace.

My practice is grounded in person-centred therapy, meaning I place great importance on building a trusting relationship where you feel heard, valued, and understood. Alongside this, I work integratively, drawing on approaches such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Inner Child Work, and Solution-Focused Therapy. This allows me to adapt how I work to best suit you and your individual needs.

In our sessions, you can expect a balance of gentle exploration and practical support. We may look at how past experiences are shaping your present, identify patterns in thoughts or behaviours, and find ways to move forward that feel realistic and meaningful for you.

I work with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, and life transitions. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply want a space to reflect and understand yourself better, I will work alongside you to support greater clarity, self-awareness, and positive change.

Sessions are available face-to-face in Wakefield city centre and online, offering flexibility to fit around your life.

The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and explore what has brought you to counselling. I understand this can feel like a big step, so I aim to make this session as comfortable and supportive as possible, allowing you to share at your own pace.

During this session, we will talk about what you would like help with, any current difficulties, and what you hope to gain from counselling. I may ask some gentle questions to build a clearer understanding of your situation, including relevant background information, but there is no pressure to share anything you’re not ready to.

We will also cover practical aspects such as confidentiality, how I work, and what you can expect from ongoing sessions. This is a space for you to ask any questions and decide whether I feel like the right counsellor for you.

I will ensure both partners have the opportunity to share their perspective, while keeping the session balanced and respectful.

There is no obligation to continue after the first session. The focus is on helping you feel informed, supported, and able to make the right decision for yourself.

If you choose to continue, we can begin to think about your goals and how we will work together moving forward.

I have available slots for face-to-face sessions at my office in Wakefield city centre or online sessions for your convenience. I offer flexible appointment times Monday to Thursday, 8am  to 8pm. Feel free to get in touch to check availability or ask any questions.

Counselling Support Tailored to You

I am a qualified counsellor working with individuals and couples integratively using Person-Centred Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Inner Child work, all within a trauma-informed framework.

I support individuals and couples who feel overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected, anxious, low in mood, or impacted by grief, trauma, or relationship difficulties. I offer a calm, confidential space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions openly, without judgement.

How Counselling Can Help

* Understand and regulate difficult emotions

* Recognise patterns that keep repeating

* Improve communication and connection in relationships

* Work through past experiences that still affect you

* Build confidence, clarity, and emotional resilience

You remain in control of what we explore. My role is to support you, help you make sense of your experiences, and guide you toward meaningful change at your pace.

My Approach

Person-Centred Therapy - Creating a safe, accepting space for exploration

CBT - Identifying and shifting unhelpful thought patterns

IFS - Understanding and working with different parts of yourself

EFT - Strengthening emotional bonds in couples work

Solution-Focused Therapy - Building on strengths and practical steps forward

Inner Child Work - Addressing early experiences that shape current patterns

Sessions Available

Face-to-face in my Wakefield office

Online sessions

 Session Details & Fees

£65 per 50-minute individual session

£85 per 50-minute couples session

Available Monday to Thursday, 8am–8pm

If you’re ready to begin, or would like to ask any questions, feel free to get in touch.

Counselling Options to Suit You

Online Counselling – Flexible & Accessible

Life’s challenges don’t always fit into a set schedule. Online counselling allows you to access professional support from anywhere, at a time that works for you. Whether you're at home, traveling, or simply prefer the convenience of a remote session, online counselling offers a private, flexible, and effective way to get the help you need.

Face-to-Face Counselling - A Safe, Supportive Space

For those who prefer in-person support, face-to-face counselling provides a calm, confidential space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions without judgment. Whether you’re struggling with personal challenges, relationships, or mental health concerns, in-person sessions offer a grounded, supportive environment to help you gain clarity and work toward positive change.

Both options provide the same level of care and support, choose what feels right for you.

What can I help with?

ADHD & Autism

Anger management 

Anxiety

Child sexual exploration (CSE)

Couples counselling

Depression & feelings of emptiness

Disordered eating

Family conflict & issues

Feeling sad, low mood

Grief, bereavement & loss

Loneliness

Low self confidence & low self esteem

Miscarriage

Inner child healing

Panic Attacks

Physical/sexual/emotional abuse

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Rape

Recovery from physical illness

Relationship issues/affairs/separation/divorce

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Self-harm

Sexuality, LGBTQ+

Sleep issues

Stress

Suicidal thoughts & ideations

Trauma

Workplace/college bullying

Your First Session - What to Expect

Your initial 20 minute enquiry session is free and takes place over telephone or video call. This gives you a chance to see if my approach feels right for you, with no obligation to continue.

If you decide to move forward, our first full session will focus on understanding your concerns and what you hope to achieve through counselling. We'll also go through a client information sheet and discuss the counselling agreement, ensuring you feel informed and comfortable before we begin.