Laura Barten-Coker
Member Status: Accredited
Member No: NCS22-01150
Location: Canterbury
Hi - I’m Laura. I am an NCPS-Accredited Children's and Young Persons Therapist (CYPT) and Adult Therapist. I have a designated Therapy Room in the Canterbury CT1 area, 15 minutes walk from the city centre with free parking.
Being a therapist/counsellor is a privilege, to be able to share with you your inner most concerns and vulnerabilities at a time when you are perhaps finding things especially challenging, worrying or overwhelming, isn't something I take lightly.
With that privilege comes great responsibility. Qualifications are of course very important but what is also important is the relationship. Therefore, I understand and value the significance of a good therapeutic relationship which I pride myself upon. My aim and responsibility is for you to feel truly safe, cared for, respected and valued, just as you are, not what you believe you should or shouldn't be. Just turn up and be you is all I ask.
Regardless of age, adolescent to elderly - I never work from the basis you are 'broken' or 'need fixing' even if it may feel that way to you at times - I work from the basis, you are human and have human emotions, we all do and it's okay to feel that way. But, when those emotions, feelings or reactions are no longer serving us well, perhaps that is when it is a good time to reach out, to talk, to find new ways of managing.
I believe counselling isn't about getting advice or being told what to do, it's also not a 'one size fits all' philosophy. What it is about is having someone you trust by your side whilst we work together to find the right solutions that fit you as an individual. This may involve reframing and or challenging your thoughts and perceptions, setting and working towards goals, providing you with emotional support, increasing your self-awareness, and helping you to improve interpersonal skills or coping strategies.
I empathise that counselling can sometimes be a difficult process, I will work at your pace with warmth, kindness and patience, but, I cannot promise it will always be easy. Sometimes the painful parts are where you will experience the most growth and I would encourage you to listen to yourself, stay curious, be brave and keep going.
Whatever it is you wouldn't be alone, we would work together collaboratively to make sense of your past and present, so you can move forward positively with new insights and clarity.
I also work as a Secondary School Counsellor and within Further Education (FE) setting/University, as a Counsellor and Specialist Student Mentor working with children age eleven and over across a diverse range of issues.
Please do get in touch, either for yourself, your adolescent or on behalf of a young adult. I offer a free initial telephone chat so you can see how you feel, or if I am the right fit for you. This is bookable on here. Don't worry if you don't know what to do or say - I will help you through the process.
Best wishes
Laura
I currently work from a private practice in the Canterbury CT1.
