Counselling in South East London
Trauma-Informed Therapy for Adults and Young People
There are times when life can feel emotionally heavy, confusing, or difficult to manage on your own. You may be experiencing anxiety, low self-worth, relationship difficulties, or a sense of feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from yourself.
You might notice patterns such as overthinking, people-pleasing, difficulty setting boundaries, or struggling to trust yourself in relationships. For some people, these experiences are linked to past or ongoing difficult experiences, while for others they can feel harder to explain — just a persistent sense that something doesn’t feel quite right internally.
Therapy can help you understand patterns that feel difficult to shift, build self-trust, and support greater emotional stability and wellbeing in your life and relationships, within a calm, supportive, space where you can begin to make sense of your experiences at your own pace.
You don't have to navigate this alone.
About Me
Hi, I’m Laura, a compassionate counsellor offering trauma-informed therapy for adults and young people.
I support people experiencing anxiety, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, emotional overwhelm, and the impact of traumatic or abusive experiences. My approach is gentle, steady, and grounded in helping you make sense of what feels confusing, painful, or too much to carry alone.
Alongside my private practice, I've worked within a specialist charity setting supporting survivors of abuse and sexual violence. This experience has deepened my understanding of trauma, shame, safety, and the ways difficult experiences can shape how we feel about ourselves and our relationships.
I'm a fully qualified Integrative Counsellor and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP). I work within the BACP Ethical Framework, offering safe, professional, and ethical support. I hold an Enhanced DBS Certificate.
How Therapy Can Help
Counselling offers a confidential space to talk through what's been feeling difficult, at a pace that feels right for you. There's no pressure to share anything before you feel ready - some people begin with what's happening in their lives right now, while others take time to build trust and settle into the process.
Over time, therapy can help you:
- understand yourself and your experiences more deeply
- develop healthier boundaries
- process difficult or overwhelming emotions
- explore patterns in relationships
- build self-trust and confidence
- feel more grounded, supported, and connected to yourself
My Approach
Starting counselling can feel daunting, especially if trust, relationships, or emotional safety have felt difficult in the past. I work gently and collaboratively, at a pace that feels manageable for you.
My approach is trauma-informed and relational, recognising how difficult experiences can shape emotions, relationships, self-worth, and the way you relate to yourself and others. Rather than labelling or analysing, we focus on making sense of your experiences together and understanding how they may be affecting you now.
Sessions may involve exploring patterns in your thoughts, feelings, relationships, or responses to stress - always with an emphasis on safety, choice, and what feels supportive for you in the moment.
Reaching Out
I understand how exhausting and overwhelming things can sometimes feel, and how much courage it takes to reach out for support. Taking that first step isn't always easy - but it can be the beginning of lasting change.
Growth & Rediscovery
Growth isn’t just about getting through difficult experiences—it’s about moving forward, reconnecting with yourself, and rediscovering who you are, and you don’t have to do it alone.
Our Work Together
The relationship we build together forms the foundation for meaningful change. Whether you’re seeking support for the first time or returning to therapy after previous experiences, you are welcome here.
What Therapy Can Support You With
You might be considering therapy for many different reasons.
Here are some of the areas I can support you with:
Feelings of stress or anxiety
Relationship difficulties
The impact of abuse or trauma
Emotional overwhelm
Low self-esteem or self-worth
Family or relational difficulties
Shame
Boundaries and people-pleasing
Childhood trauma
Recovery from sexual violence
Get in Touch
If this feels like it might be helpful, you’re very welcome to get in touch.
I offer a short initial conversation so we can talk about what’s
been going on and see if counselling feels like the right fit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can therapy help?
Therapy offers a safe, supportive space to understand what you’re going through, develop ways to manage anxiety, and gently process past or current experiences so they feel less overwhelming.
What if I'm not ready to talk about everything?
That’s completely ok. You can go at your own pace. You won’t be pressured to share anything before you feel ready.
Will therapy make things feel worse or bring everything up at once?
No. Trauma-informed therapy focuses on helping you feel safe and steady first. We move gradually, so you’re not overwhelmed.
Is what I share confidential?
Yes. What you share is confidential, with a few exceptions related to safety (for example, if there is a serious risk of harm). This will always be explained clearly so you feel informed and secure.
Can young people access therapy and how does that work?
Yes. I work with adolescents (aged 13+) as well as adults, adapting sessions to feel comfortable and age-appropriate. We’ll also talk through confidentiality and how to support young people safely.
My Location
I'm based in Peckham, South East London, and work with clients from Camberwell, Dulwich, Brockley, Lewisham, Deptford, New Cross, Greenwich, and surrounding areas.
I offer both in-person sessions in Peckham and online sessions across the UK, depending on what feels most comfortable and accessible for you.
Fees & Availability
My fee for a 50 minute counselling session is £70.
I keep a small number of reduced-fee spaces for students or those on low income. Please feel free to get in touch if you'd like to ask about current availability for a lower cost space.
I currently offer in-person sessions on Fridays in Peckham, and I have flexible online appointments available during the week.
Reaching out for counselling can feel difficult, especially if you're used to managing things on your own. You're welcome to contact me for an initial conversation, ask any questions, or get a sense of whether working together feels right for you.
© Laura Manifold Therapy
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