Empowering you to reclaim your life
Welcome to Laura Manifold Therapy
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Are you carrying the emotional weight of past experiences in ways that feel confusing or hard to put into words—perhaps showing up as anxiety, self-doubt, people-pleasing, or a sense of disconnection from yourself or others? You might notice familiar patterns repeating, leaving you feeling stuck or unsure how to move forward.
What you’re feeling is not a flaw or failure, but a natural response to what you’ve lived through. In our work together, we gently make space for these experiences and how they may be shaping your life now; helping you reconnect with a sense of inner safety, self-trust, and resilience. Therapy with me offers a calm, compassionate space where you can move at your own pace—feeling heard, supported, and gradually finding the clarity and confidence to shape a life that feels true to you.
About Me
Hi, I’m Laura, a compassionate counsellor specialising in trauma and the lasting effects it can have long after the experience has passed.
I'm a fully qualified Integrative Counsellor and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP). As a member of the BACP I work within their Ethical Framework and abide by their guidelines for good counselling practice.
Alongside my private practice I also work as a therapist for a charity and also within a therapy clinic in London.
My experience includes working within the violence against women and girls charity sector supporting young people and adult survivors of abuse; for a bereavement charity; and working with a charity counselling children in schools.
I hold a current Enhanced DBS Certificate.
My Approach
Because of my integrative training, I understand there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. We work with what’s coming up for you in the moment. My approach is gentle, collaborative, trauma-informed, and centred on empowerment — supporting you to reclaim your voice, rebuild self-trust, and reconnect with your own inner strength. Our work focuses on restoring a sense of safety, choice, and control and in sessions we may use gentle ways of working with the body to support grounding when things feel overwhelming, creative and reflective approaches to support expression and exploration, alongside tools for emotional regulation and shared understanding around what you’re experiencing, so you feel more resourced and empowered both in and outside of sessions. Your story remains in your control at all times; we move at a pace that feels right for you and respects your wellbeing and boundaries.
Reaching Out
Having navigated my own experience of trauma, I understand only too well how exhausting and overwhelming it can feel and how much courage it takes to seek a helping hand. Reaching out can feel difficult, but for me it was life-changing and I hope I can offer the same for you. When I finally sat with someone who understood and didn’t feel that my experiences were too much, things started to shift.
Growth & Rediscovery
Healing from trauma is not just about surviving—it's about growing, reclaiming, and rediscovering who you are, and you don’t have to do it alone.
Sometimes the work might be hard and messy. We go deep, and you can say the things you’ve never felt able to voice before—but there will also be moments of lightness and laughter along the way.
Inner Strength
The relationship we build together becomes the foundation for meaningful change. Whether you’re seeking support for the first time or returning to therapy after previous work, you are welcome here.
You don’t have to face things alone — I’m here to help you reconnect with your inner strength and reclaim your sense of self.
What Issues Can Therapy Help With?
People come to therapy for help with a wide range of issues. Here are some of the issues that I can support you with:
Feelings of stress or anxiety
Panic attacks
Relationship problems
Grief, loss or bereavement
Problems with addiction
Trauma and post-traumatic stress
Depression
Problems with confidence or self-esteem
Anger management
Issues relating to sexuality
Difficulties at work or in retirement
Problems with family or school life
Childhood trauma
Rape and sexual assault
Childhood sexual abuse
Physical/Emotional abuse
Get in Touch
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about how counselling works, or to arrange a free 20-minute phone call. This enables us to discuss the reasons you are thinking of coming to counselling, whether it could be helpful for you and whether I am the right therapist to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
Counselling is usually a good way to help with a current problem; something that can be discussed and - hopefully - resolved within a limited number of sessions. Over a certain number of weeks the understanding of the problem improves and a way forward becomes clear. Psychotherapy often describes work that goes a bit deeper, towards more substantial life issues and problems having a deeper effect on the client’s life. Psychotherapy often requires a long-term approach, so the number of sessions can be open-ended.
Which option is most suitable depends on the client and the difficulties they are facing.
How long will I need to have therapy?
How long a period of therapy lasts will vary from person to person and depend on the depth of the issues they are facing. For some people a few sessions helps to bring their problems into focus, and they feel ready to move forward; other issues may require more of an open-ended approach. We will have regular reviews during our work together to make sure we are doing the best for you.
How long will I have to wait for an appointment?
My aim is to offer a first appointment - known as an initial assessment - within 1-2 weeks. Then we would arrange a number of therapy sessions to take place at the same time every week or bi-weekly, that is convenient for you and where I have availability. How quickly these sessions can begin will depend on the availability of that free ‘slot’.
Will everything I say be kept confidential?
Everything that is said within the therapy room is private - this is one of the main ways counselling and psychotherapy differ from talking to a friend or relative. Once you are comfortable with the format of weekly sessions and the safe space they provide, you will find the freedom to speak in confidence is of great value.
(Please note there are very occasionally situations where confidentiality may need to be broken and I will provide you with my confidentiality policy by email prior to us starting work together).
Do you work with young people?
Yes, as well as supporting adults I also work with young people aged 13+. I hold a current enhanced DBS Certificate.
My Location
I am based in South East London and see clients from Brockley, Lewisham, Greenwich, Deptford, New Cross, Blackheath, Ladywell, Hither Green and surrounding areas.
In addition to face-to-face therapy, I also offer online sessions to people throughout the UK.
Fees & Sessions
Therapy sessions last 50 minutes and cost £70 per session. Our therapy sessions will take place on the same day and time, usually on a weekly basis, and our work together will continue for as long as you feel you need. I offer both short term and long-term ongoing therapy.
I offer a free initial 20 minute phone call where you can share a bit about what's going on for you, ask any questions, and to see if you feel we would work well together. I believe it's very important to find a therapist that feels right for you. I also offer a limited number of spaces to students and those on low income and please contact me to enquire about availability.
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