Counselling
Sometimes life becomes difficult to navigate on your own. Counselling can provide a confidential and supportive space to slow things down, explore what is happening and begin to understand what you need.
Professional, trauma-informed counselling with L&M
At L&M Counselling & Training, we offer professional counselling informed by extensive experience of working with people through a wide range of personal and emotional difficulties.
Our approach is trauma-informed, ethical and Integrative. We recognise that every person brings their own experiences, circumstances and ways of coping, and we work collaboratively with you rather than telling you what you should do.
You remain at the centre of your counselling
We don't see our role as "fixing" people or telling you how to live your life.
Counselling is a collaborative process. We provide a safe and professionally supported space in which you can explore your experiences, develop greater understanding and consider what you want for yourself.
You decide what you want to work on and what changes feel right for you.
What might bring you to counselling?
People seek counselling for many different reasons. You may be experiencing:
Anxiety, stress or feeling overwhelmed
Low mood or depression
Difficulties with relationships
Grief and loss
Low self-esteem or confidence
Experiences of trauma
Difficult or overwhelming emotions
Changes or challenges in your personal life
Difficult experiences from the past that continue to affect you
Difficulties understanding patterns in your thoughts, feelings or relationships
A sense that you are struggling but aren't quite sure why
You don't need to have everything worked out before you come to counselling.
Sometimes the first step is simply having somewhere to talk.
Our approach
Our counselling is grounded in a trauma-informed and person-centred understanding of therapeutic work.
This means we consider the importance of safety, choice, trust, boundaries and collaboration within the counselling relationship.
We draw on our professional knowledge and experience to support you, while recognising that you are the person who knows your own life and experiences best.
We aim to offer counselling that is warm and compassionate while also providing space for honest reflection and meaningful exploration.
Counselling with L&M
L&M is a partnership between Laura Joanknecht and Michelle Green experienced counsellors with professional backgrounds in counselling and therapeutic practice.
Laura Joanknecht
Laura is an experienced psychosexual therapist, counsellor, supervisor and practitioner with a broad professional background in therapeutic work.
Her counselling practice is informed by her experience of working with complex presentations, relationships, trauma and personal development.
Laura@lmcounsellingtraining.co.uk
Michelle Green
Michelle is a qualified counsellor, supervisor and trainer with extensive experience of counselling adults, children and young people.
Her work has a particular interest in trauma-informed practice and supporting people to understand the impact of difficult life experiences, relationships and trauma while developing their own capacity for recovery and change.
Face-to-face and online counselling
Counselling availability depends on the individual counsellor and the type of support required.
Face-to-face counselling is available through L&M in Bexleyheath and Kent and the surrounding areas as well as in Wales with online counselling available where appropriate.
If you are unsure whether counselling with L&M is suitable for you, you are welcome to get in touch and discuss your needs with us.
Finding the right counsellor
Choosing a counsellor is a personal decision. It is important that you feel comfortable with the person you are working with and that their experience and approach are appropriate for your needs.
If you would like to explore counselling with L&M, we can help you consider which of us may be the most appropriate fit for your circumstances.
Ready to take the first step?
You don't have to know exactly what you need before making an enquiry.