Laura McCarthy

Laura McCarthy is a BACP counsellor who uses a person-centred approach to help people find clarity and calm. She focuses on creating a warm, non-judgemental space where clients are listened to and respected. Laura aims to make the first step into counselling feel manageable for people who are nervous about opening up.

Her work is grounded in empathy, authenticity and unconditional positive regard. Sessions are collaborative - the client’s experience and choices guide the pace and focus. Laura offers a consistently calm presence for people dealing with stress, anxiety, anger and low self-esteem.

She has four years of practice supporting people through trauma, bereavement and life changes. Her background includes helping clients with relationship or family concerns and career-related stress. Laura also addresses issues such as control problems, isolation, guilt and shame in straightforward, practical conversation.

In sessions she encourages people to explore feelings, make decisions that fit their life, and build skills for coping. She believes connection and understanding are key to change and prioritises clear, kind communication in every meeting.

Laura keeps developing her work through regular supervision and reflective practice. That continued learning informs how she listens, asks questions and supports people as they work through difficult emotions. Her aim is to walk alongside clients at a pace that feels right for them.

How Client-Centred Therapy translates to online work

Client-Centred Therapy is built around listening, empathy and helping people feel heard. In practice this means the counsellor gives a quiet, accepting space where clients set the pace and topics. It can be useful for issues like anxiety, anger, self-esteem and relationship questions because it focuses on understanding what matters to the person.

Laura’s approach emphasises an authentic, collaborative relationship. She will work with each person to decide how best to proceed, checking in about goals and preferences as therapy unfolds. Finding the right approach is treated as a joint effort rather than a fixed prescription.

If you prefer to try online counselling, check the available session options before booking as formats are not specified here. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into busy days, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. It can also suit people who want to meet from a familiar location or manage therapy alongside work and family commitments. The therapist will discuss practical arrangements and help tailor sessions so they fit the client’s life and aims.