Laura McCarthy

Laura McCarthy is a BACP counsellor who works in a person-centred way. She focuses on helping people who are struggling with stress, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem and other life challenges. Her manner is warm and down-to-earth, and she aims to make the first steps into counselling feel less daunting.

She builds therapy around empathy, authenticity and unconditional positive regard. Sessions are collaborative - the client’s views and lived experience guide the work. The counsellor offers a calm, non-judgemental presence while people talk through difficult feelings and decisions.

Laura has four years of experience supporting those affected by trauma and abuse, relationship and family difficulties, and major life changes. She also works with concerns such as anger, career stress, depression and attachment issues. Her background includes regular supervision and reflective practice to keep her approach grounded.

The focus in sessions is on listening closely, reflecting back what matters, and helping people name and understand their emotions. Practical steps or coaching ideas can be brought in when helpful to support coping and confidence.

People looking for therapy in the United Kingdom can expect a steady, respectful approach that lets them move at their own pace. Laura values connection and works to create a space where clients feel genuinely heard and accepted.

How person-centred work adapts to online therapy

Client-Centred Therapy places the person rather than the technique at the centre of therapy. It involves listening closely, reflecting what is said, and offering non-judgemental support so people can find their own answers. This approach is often helpful for anxiety, low self-esteem, grief and relationship concerns because it prioritises understanding and emotional safety.

Laura’s style is collaborative, so she will work with each person to choose the approach that feels right. That might mean focusing on understanding emotions first, then introducing coaching ideas to build coping skills. The choice of methods is decided together based on needs, goals and personal preference.

If you are considering online sessions, confirm the current session formats before booking as the profile does not list specific formats. Online work can make therapy easier to fit into a busy life - it can remove travel time, allow shorter check-ins during a lunch break, or be easier to schedule around work and family commitments. It can also suit people who prefer talking without being on camera or who need sessions that use less bandwidth. Registered or accredited professionals can adapt person-centred ways of working to an online setting, and the therapist will help find a practical arrangement that suits everyday life.