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Let's talk

Hello, I'm Laura, a professional counsellor working in Sevenoaks. I specialise in working therapeutically with parents. I hope this website answers some of your questions about what I do and how we might work together, please do get in touch if you'd like to know more.

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Image of Laura Shtaingos, a white woman with dark brown hair, standing in a doorway looking at the camera and smiling

About me

I am a qualified and insured counsellor registered and accredited with the counselling ethical body, BACP.

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I began my working life in marketing, consulting and finance, but my experience becoming a mother changed everything. I trained as a Breastfeeding Counsellor, and then as an Integrative Counsellor and I continue to support mothers and fathers with all aspects of adjusting to parenting, including postnatal depression and anxiety, birth trauma, breastfeeding and combination feeding, and sleep.

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I believe that the job of mothering is hugely undervalued in our society and many of the psychological struggles I see come from a lack of emotional and practical support. As fatherhood is changing and men are taking on more of this role, many fathers are feeling this pressure too. Many parents I see have never even been asked how they are finding this life-changing adjustment, and what would help them enjoy this phase of their life. This is often where we start.

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Our society's knowledge about parenting has also changed dramatically in 20 years and it can feel like we are struggling against generations of inherited habits, different advice from every corner. I am passionate about building each of my clients' belief in their own unique parenting style. You will not hear recommendations or 'advice' from me, but instead we will explore your options together to understand what you want.

 

I believe that each mother and father has within themselves a strong desire to do their best and an intuitive sense of how they would like to care for their children. Together we can find it. 

How I can help

Becoming a parent changes everything. It's common to feel like everyone else is doing great and you're the only one winging it! Sometimes it's hard to put a finger on exactly what has caused our distress.

 

You might struggle with constant anxiety and questions if you're "doing it right". You might feel numb and detatched. Some of us feel overwhelmed or just keep bursting into tears. Sometimes it can feel like we're completely broken and even getting out of bed is a struggle.

 

Whatever you are struggling with, I am here to support you. If I do not know the answer, I have a vast network of trusted contacts, and I will find someone who can.

 

I work with people who are: 

  • Feeling overwhelmed

  • Feeling directionless

  • Feeling low, depressed or numb

  • Feeling anxious

  • Feeling shocked by events in their life

  • Feeling like they want to understand themselves better

  • Wanting to make a change


Where shall we begin?

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"Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change"

Brene Brown

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