Laurence Keith

My key motivation as a counsellor is my belief that love and understanding can change lives, and that there is always hope, however dark today may feel. I aim to provide a safe relationship that enables and empowers individuals to make positive changes. I have worked effectively with people experiencing difficulties such as grief, trauma, relationship issues, depression and anxiety. Prior to training as a counsellor I mentored young people for many years.

My Approach

My experience of counselling has shown me that providing a safe space for someone to be listened to, appreciated and understood can create a platform from which that person can explore, grieve, heal and move forwards in life. To enable this I adopt a person-centred philosophy, and sometimes specific interventions are helpful to meet a certain need or bring a deeper understanding, so I have integrated ideas from different approaches. I regularly use ideas and models from CFT (Compassion Focussed Therapy), CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and Attachment Theory, and I continue to learn about and integrate other useful ideas into my work. 

Where it all started

I was raised in a Christian faith and that still underpins my motivation and approach. I often found I would be the one asking awkward questions about life and spirituality, and that desire to understand and shape my life by deeper values has never left me. I am strongly motivated to help others find their own path through life, whether that be in friendships, work relationships or with my own children. This motivation to walk alongside and help people discover their own agency is what has led me into being a counsellor.