client feedback...

Female (21), Post-Graduate Student...

At the time that I began to see Laura, many things in my life were a mess: I was not achieving the grades that I thought I ought to at university, my friends were angry at me when I went out, my romantic relationships were not as fulfilled as they could be.  I was never interested enough to get to know anyone properly, or to develop anything real.

I also knew that I had a problem with binge-drinking, a problem relatively common to my age group in the 21st Century. Laura helped me go through my past history, my relationships with people, and my upbringing, discussing the ways in which I felt about myself both in the past, and today, because of those circumstantial events. 

Without the help of Laura, I would never have been able to ascertain the potential causes of my problems; in particular my problem with drinking. She taught me that as humans, we are particularly bad at seeing the overall picture of our personal situations, because we are too close to our own thoughts and feelings to look at them objectively. Because of this, it should never be shameful to go to a psychologist: how are we expected to sort out our overall problems otherwise?

Since going to sessions with Laura one on one, I have never been able to look at drinking the same way again. It can no longer be a cover up or an overcompensation, because I know it is only the inner thoughts and feelings that tell you that it ever can be. Additionally, Laura has given me methods of coping with such issues as cravings and feelings of future inadequacy, which will help ensure my full recovery.

I truly thank her for being so understanding and helpful in her assistance with a problem I could never have understood myself. 

Male (48), IT Executive...

As a middle-aged man suffering from chronic depression, exhibiting suicidal tendencies, with chronic low self-esteem, locked-up ‘secrets’ of suffering early childhood abuse and with a degree of scepticism towards the ‘talking cures’ and general ‘quackery’ of so-called ‘counsellors’ bordering on the obsessive, Laura had a bit of a challenge on her hands. Furthermore, with her background in the Scottish and New Zealand prison services and more recent experience in her practice being predominantly with female clients, I did not present as typical.

It is a credit to Laura’s total professionalism that I’m writing this testimonial. In 14 sessions, of around an hour each, she systematically deconstructed my scepticism – which allowed access to my trust and thus my problems – and then gave me clear, intelligent, well-researched, non-judgemental advice to help me to change my thinking. Her advice, allied to practical techniques that she introduced me to, enabled me to examine my opinions and views and to challenge my negative thinking patterns.

Six months after our first session and around six weeks after our final session, I can attest to both the efficacy of Laura’s methods and to the simple practicality of her techniques over a period longer than the treatment itself. I still refer to the notes I took and to the literature, websites and wisdom that Laura passed on to me.

I would definitely recommend Laura to anyone, male or female, who needs to unravel their complicated negative thinking to enable them to enjoy a happier and more rewarding life. It’s a bit hackneyed but “if it worked for me, it will work for anyone”!!

Female (28), Auckland...

I decided to go and speak with Laura as I was finding it really hard to deal with any stress in my life.  Even the smallest of things would scare me and almost paralyse me.  For as long as I can remember, I have been an 'anxious' person and not really felt that comfortable with myself.  After seeing Laura each week for about five months, I feel that I am in better control of my thoughts and feelings and have learned to accept certain aspects of who I am and maybe why!  I look forward to going to work now rather than dreading each morning beginning.  My personal relationship is continuing to grow and I even feel that I now know how to relax!  Thanks Laura.