Laura Mercer - MBACP (Accred).

Client Base

I provide both short-term counselling and longer-term psychotherapy for adolescents and adults aged 12 and up. I appreciate the unique dynamics of working with both groups. With adolescents, I enjoy helping them navigate challenges, build confidence, and develop coping strategies during this formative stage. For adults, the focus often shifts to deeper self-reflection and understanding long-standing patterns for meaningful personal growth.

My approach is to create a supportive space for all ages to explore emotions, gain clarity, and foster positive change.

Short-term counselling is ideal for those addressing specific concerns like anxiety, stress, or low mood, offering a chance to manage emotions and navigate challenges.

For ongoing support, longer-term psychotherapy allows for a deeper exploration of emotional and psychological patterns, helping individuals process unresolved issues and work towards healing and growth.

Counselling Style

One thing I wish more people understood about therapy is that it’s not about having all the answers, it’s about creating a space where you can explore, grow, and find what works for you.

My client-centered approach puts you at the core of the process, allowing us to focus on your goals and adapt sessions to your needs.

I aim to foster a compassionate, non-judgmental environment where you can freely explore your thoughts and emotions.

My role is to offer support and constructive feedback, ensuring our work remains meaningful. I regularly check in to confirm the therapy is effective and make any necessary adjustments.

Guided by curiosity and compassion, I believe in the healing power of finding meaning. Each person's journey is unique, and together, we can explore your sense of purpose for greater clarity and connection in your life.

Therapeutic Models

I draw upon various Humanistic therapeutic approaches to meet personal needs. Person-centered therapy offers a safe space to explore thoughts and feelings, while psychodynamic therapy uncovers unconscious patterns that influence current emotions and behavior.

For practical tools, I incorporate Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to challenge negative thought patterns, Gestalt therapy to enhance present moment awareness, and Transactional Analysis (TA) to explore communication patterns and relationships for self-awareness and growth.

Together, we'll determine the best blend of these approaches to support your healing and personal growth journey.

Professional Experience

I have had the privilege of working across diverse settings, including private practice, education, and health and wellbeing organisations, where I have supported individuals facing a wide range of emotional, psychological, and behavioural challenges. My experience spans working with both young people and adults, helping them navigate issues such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, addiction, and recovery.

In private practice, I have worked extensively with adults, providing a confidential and supportive space for clients to explore personal challenges, develop coping strategies, and work toward meaningful change. This experience has deepened my understanding of complex emotional patterns and the importance of tailored, client-led therapy.

I have also provided therapeutic support in schools, working closely with students, staff, and families to create safe, nurturing environments for emotional growth. Additionally, my work in addiction recovery services has allowed me to support individuals in complex and deeply personal journeys, helping them build resilience and develop strategies for lasting change.

With a strong foundation in client-centred and integrative approaches, I adapt my therapeutic style to meet each individual’s unique needs. My ability to build trusting relationships, combined with my experience in safeguarding, crisis intervention, and long-term emotional support, enables me to provide a compassionate, structured, and effective space for healing and personal development.

Supervision

As a qualified Supervisor, I also offer clinical supervision to other counsellors and psychotherapists, helping them maintain high standards of practice and ethical care.

Past supervisees have included: student counsellors, qualified counsellors and psychotherapists and Children & Young People practitioners.

Fees: £85 Tunbridge Wells. 

Contact

If you’re thinking about starting therapy, I’d love to hear from you.

Feel free to get in touch for an informal chat about how we might work together.

I’m here to support you and happy to answer any questions you might have about the process or next steps.