About Laura
I have spent over 20 years working in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) for the NHS and in private practice. During this time, I've supported children, young people, and families facing a range of mental health challenges, and I’m dedicated to helping them find understanding, healing, and lasting change.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked in a variety of roles and settings. I’ve been part of specialist services like the Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) and Family Assessment and Safeguarding Service (FASS), where I worked alongside social care teams to support families with safeguarding concerns. I’ve also had the privilege of running education programs for young people at risk of exclusion from school, creating alternative curriculums and working closely with teachers to keep these students engaged in education.
In addition, I’ve worked with Women’s Aid, running seminars and conferences on supporting young people affected by domestic violence, and I authored a chapter on group and individual work with children, for the Woman’s Aid Publication ‘Safe and Sound’. I’ve managed a hostel for ex-offenders, focusing on the psychological impact of early trauma and how it can contribute to later-life criminal behaviour.
Despite the rewarding nature of all these roles, I felt there was always something deeper I wanted to address – the underlying emotional and psychological causes of people’s difficulties. That’s what led me to train as a Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist, focusing specifically on the emotional lives of children, young people and adolescents.
I completed a seven-year, intensive doctoral training to become a Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist, during which I also participated in regular personal analysis to deepen my understanding of myself and my work. This training is unique in that it specifically prepares me to work with children and young people, using the insights of psychoanalysis to explore and address the root causes of their difficulties.
Now qualified with a Master of Professional Studies, M(Prof), in Child and Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, I’m one of the few independent psychotherapists practicing in the local area. I work from my practice in Tring, Hertfordshire, on the border of Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire, and I also offer online therapy for clients who live further away or need flexibility, such as university students.
I’ve worked closely with foster care agencies and Adoption Support Services for many years, provided expert witness reports for courts, offered reflective practice groups, and consultation to voluntary agencies, statutory services, and NHS teams. I’m also committed to continuous professional development and am registered with the Association of Child Psychotherapists (ACP), ensuring I adhere to the highest standards of practice.
If you’re looking for support for your child or family, or if you’re a professional seeking consultation or supervision, I’d be happy to chat with you about how I can help. Please feel free to reach out!
“It takes a village to raise a child'. You have been a huge part and an integral part of our village. No amount of words can truly express our heartfelt gratitude for you, for the work you do and for the space and commitment you made to, and for, John, Pat and I. Seven years on and we have reached this day. There were times when we could not ever see this day happening and when it did, we thought we wouldn't be able to lose this safety net. But here we are! John has! And although I feel hugely emotional it really is a day to celebrate as we reflect on where we are now, and where we were when we met you. Let this card be a reminder of how you have helped a little boy, who was pretty broken, to slowly rebuild, to grow and develop his emotions, love, happiness, belief and courage to see his inner and outer world in a brighter, clearer way and know anything is possible for him. Thank you!”
— ADOPTIVE PARENTS AND YOUNG CHILD