Welcome to Laura Claxton Counselling.
I am Laura!
As you can see, I do like nature and the outdoors! But don’t be fooled I haven’t always! More on that in about me.
For now what’s important is:
I am a fully qualified counsellor, with a Psychology degree from the UK and a Master of Counselling from Notre Dame University, Australia. I also hold a qualification in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. Alongside these qualifications, my current focus is on understanding deeply the relationship between mind and body, thus I refer to myself as a Body-Based counsellor.
Aside from my qualifications, the bottom line for me is that I love being with people.
I genuinely believe that I am no different to you — I am a person, with a complex mind and body, navigating ups and downs, challenges and anxieties.
Of course my experiences are likely very different to yours, so I don’t pretend to know all the answers, I do however, know the value and importance of having someone to share and explore with, and having explored my own life so deeply, I now feel able to bring what I have learnt into supporting you.
Body Based Counselling
My experience
My own learning and growth have increasingly been shaped by embodiment and somatic practices, including mindfulness and meditation. I’ve come to understand that while the mind can explain our patterns, it’s the body that holds and expresses them.
Evidence based approaches
Although I do prioritise the body in our work, I am very much informed by evidence-based approaches such as Schema therapy, Cognitive Behavioural therapy, and Narrative therapy, all of which help us understand how early experiences shape the way we see ourselves and the world.
Our work together
In our work together, we take time to gently explore and understand these patterns of mind and body, not to judge or fix them, but to see them clearly.
Habits of awareness
By increasing awareness of the habits of both mind and body, we can access a deeper level of healing that is more likely to be long lasting.
As we grow in this awareness together, we will start to notice patterns of thinking, feeling, and reacting that have developed over time.
Such patterns can feel deeply personal, as though they are simply who we are, yet in truth they operate automatically, keeping us stuck and imprisoned in our stories.
Who are we truly
As awareness of conditional habits deepens, there can be moments of space where you are no longer caught up in the mind. From this place, a different way of relating and living can begin to emerge – one that allows for greater ease, openness, and a sense of home within yourself. This I feel is who we truly are.
Further offerings
RESET
Bite sized Mindfulness sessions to reset
Subject to availability I offer 30 minute mindfulness sessions. These can be really helpful to offer a reset during a busy or stressful time, otherwise known as life!
So grab a cuppa, sit back and relax
GROW
6 week Mind and Body Awareness course
For 6 consecutive weeks I will introduce you to practices that will support you in learning to regulate the body and develop awareness of the mind.
REFLECT
Tell Laura your story
3 x 1 hour autobiographical life story sessions
Aimed at the older generation, a chance to tell and remember your unique life story.
This is a very engaging, revealing, deep and nurturing experience for both client and counsellor.
Sessions can be recorded and left for loved ones.
