Lauren is a clinical social worker and counsellor with over 30 years' experience working with individuals and couples to address relationship issues, life transitions, anxiety, grief and loss, self-esteem, personal growth and more.
I work from a position of respect. I listen carefully to the issues you bring in order to really understand what it is you are struggling with and for couples, to develop an understanding of the dynamics occurring in the relationship. Counselling is a series of conversations about you and your life where I ask questions and provide feedback as we explore who you are. I use the relationship we create as client and therapist to explore and clarify the themes, patterns, dynamics and conflicts you are experiencing so that you can be happier and have a more fulfilling life. I work with you to sharpen your awareness about the choices you are making in your life and how you are being in these choices and relationships.
With couples, I listen for what is getting in the way of authentic communication between partners and help you to develop a better understanding of your selves, of what you each bring to the relationship, and how this impacts on your ability to communicate effectively with each other. I give you feedback about what I observe and using specific therapy techniques, I coach you on how to talk to each other in a non-blaming way. I also coach you on how to really listen to what the other is saying so that you both feel heard and understood. I work with you to learn how to be yourself in an emotionally satisfying relationship whilst maintaining integrity and self-awareness.