Laura McCarthy

Certified Transational Analyst, Psychotherapist, Counsellor & Specialist Mentor

Are you going through a difficult time, or know someone who is? I offer trauma-informed therapy for individuals and couples aged 18 and over, with a focus on supporting those affected by abuse. Whether you’re experiencing domestic violence (from a partner, family member, or carer), financial control, coercive control, bullying, or sexual violence—including child sexual exploitation, ritual abuse, sex trafficking, or grooming—I’m here to help.

My approach creates a safe, non-judgmental space for you to process your experiences, free from pathologising labels. I aim to practice anti-oppressive therapy, challenging the systemic forces—such as patriarchy, racism, and colonialism—that shape our mental health. I am committed to decolonising therapy, recognising the cultural and intergenerational roots of trauma and moving beyond Eurocentric models of care.

I don’t believe in “fixing” people but in empowering you to reclaim your voice and agency. My feminist, intersectional approach honours your unique identity, strengths, and resilience.

With over nine years of experience, including work with East Kent Rape Crisis Centre and Woman’s Trust, I specialise in supporting survivors of trauma, as well as those with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), PTSD, and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD). Inclusivity is at the core of my practice—I welcome clients of all genders, sexualities, cultural backgrounds, and neurodiverse conditions such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.

Laura McCarthy

MSc (Psych), CTA, Dip., UKCP, MBACP

Individual Counselling

Are you struggling with feelings of anxiety, anger, or depression? If you’re feeling overwhelmed, scared, or hurt, having a safe space to express yourself and feel understood could truly make a difference in your life.

The effectiveness of therapy hinges on the rapport between therapist and client. It’s essential for you to feel at ease working with me, knowing that I possess the skills needed to deliver optimal results and value for your investment.

We can explore whether we’re a good match during an initial session together.

Initial Session

During the initial individual session, which is typically 50 minutes long and charged at my standard fee, I’ll begin by asking some administrative questions. This includes gathering your address, date of birth, and your doctor’s details, to ensure that I have all the necessary background information to continue our work together.

Next, I’ll ask you about the reason that brought you to therapy.

Towards the end of the session, we’ll collaborate to decide if we feel comfortable working together and establish what you would like the ultimate outcome of therapy to be and decide if the work should be short-term (ten sessions), long-term (six months to one year), or if it should remain open-ended.

Weekly or Fortnightly Sessions

I offer therapy on a weekly or fortnightly basis. Sessions will be held at the same time and date each week and will be 50 minutes long.

Missing or Re-scheduling Sessions

If a session cannot be attended 48 hours notice is required. Sessions not attended without 48 hours notice will be charged at my usual fee.

I will always try to find an alternative appointment time, however re-scheduled appointments in the same week are not always possible.

 

Couples Counselling

Are you and your partner finding it challenging to communicate effectively, leading to frequent arguments? Perhaps you’re feeling stuck in your relationship, and it seems difficult to discuss issues without conflict.

As a couples therapist, I offer a confidential and non-judgemental space where you can address your relationship concerns safely. My role is to facilitate open communication between both partners, allowing each person to express themselves without fear of judgement or blame.

During couples counselling, we’ll work together to explore what’s causing the strain in your relationship and identify areas for improvement. It’s essential for both individuals to be committed to the process of healing and growth.

If there are doubts about continuing the relationship, I recommend starting with individual counselling before embarking on couples therapy. Additionally, if there is ongoing domestic abuse or violence, I prioritise the safety of all parties involved and may suggest individual counselling for the perpetrator.

Initial Session

In couples work, you will learn to understand and communicate your feelings and needs more clearly, without ending up in arguments. You will learn to listen to your partner and hear how they feel and what they need from you to make the relationship better.

I offer couples the option of on-going counselling in 60-min weekly sessions (usually six to twelve sessions are required) or an intense 120-min recovery session to get to the heart of the issue and kick start change.

There is no one size fits all, if you may prefer to methodically work through your relationship issues then weekly sessions may suit you best (please note: one 60-min session is not enough time to do the work required).

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the issues you are facing, then an intense 120-minute recovery session might be best, followed by some ongoing hourly sessions, although for some just one 120-min session is enough.

Weekly or Fortnighly Sessions

After we have agreed to work together, our weekly or fortnightly sessions will be held at the same time and date each week/fortnight and will be 60 minutes long.

Missing or Re-scheduling Sessions

If a session cannot be attended 48 hours notice is required. Regular sessions missed without 48 hours notice will be charged at my usual fee. I will always try to find an alternative appointment time but please note, re-scheduled appointments in the same week are not always possible.

Issues Worked With

Abusive Relationships

Domestic Abuse (Emotional, Physical, Sexual or Financial)

Domestic Violence

Narcissistic Abuse

Gaslighting

Love Bombing

Gender Based Violence

Sibling Abuse

Trauma

Trauma Bond

Childhood Trauma

Child Sexual Abuse

Ritual Abuse

Mind Control

C-PTSD & PTSD

DID / Dissociation

Bullying

Panic Attacks

Suicidal Thoughts

Pre-Trial Therapy

Anxiety

Depression

Anger

Low Self-Esteem

Identity Issues

Neurodivergence (ADHD, ADD, Dyslexia)

Career Issues

Bereavement

Body Dysmorphia

Chronic Illness

Couples

Relationship Issues

Marriage Counselling

Pre-Marriage Counselling

Infidelity

Separation & Divorce

Heartbreak

My Fees

Individual (50mins)

£ 75

Per Session

Couple (60mins)

£ 85

Per Session

Couples (120mins)

£ 150

Per 120-min Recovery Session

Ramsgate, Kent or Online

(Sun-Tue 1-8pm)

Individual (50mins)

£ 125

Per Session

Couples (60mins)

£ 150

Per Session

Couples (120mins)

£ 250

Per 120-min Recovery Session

Harley Street, London

(Sat 9am-12pm)

My Qualifications

Training & Qualifications

  • Certified Transactional Analyst (CTA) (EATA).
  • MSc. in Psychotherapy  (Middlesex University).
  • Clinical Diploma in Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy (Metanoia Institute).
  • Diploma in Transactional Analysis Psychotherapeutic Counselling (Metanoia Institute).
  • Diploma in Life Coaching (New Skills Academy).
  • Clinical Supervision Certificate, viewed through an Intersectional lens (TA East London Institute).
  • Clinical Certificate in Trauma-Focused Therapy (The Link Centre).
  • Level 4 Clinical Diploma in Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling.

Clinical Experience

  • Nine years of experience in private practice
  • Two additional years as an Associate Counsellor at Trinity Laban Conservatoire.
  • Two years of specialist mentor experience for undergraduate university music students.
  • I provide supervision to other counsellors and psychotherapists.
  • I am currently an outreach counsellor for East Kent Rape Crisis Centre.
  • I am the counselling and supervising trustee for Woman’s Trust. (Woman’s Trust is the charity that helps women in London overcome the mental and emotional harm caused by domestic abuse).
  • I specialise in working with clients diagnosed with personality disorders and have a particular interest in those diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD).

Ethical Principles

I am deeply committed to, practice and abide by the principles and ethics of EATA.

Memberships

To demonstrate my competence I am a member of several organisations, each of which requires the fulfillment of particular standards of training and knowledge by its associates.

  • Full clinical member of the UK Council of Psychotherapy (UKCP)
  • Registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
  • Member of Metanoia Institute.

As a reflection of my work with abuse survivors, I have been accepted as a member of:

  • Ritual Abuse Information Network and Support (RAINS)
  • European Society for Trauma and Dissociation (ESTD)
  • Anti Victim Blaming, Trauma-Informed Network (AVBTI)

Leadership Experience

Apart from my psychotherapy work, I also have 25 years of experience in the business industry and have worked as a marketing director in high-profile music companies, entertainment venues, and leisure experiences, which often entailed high-pressure situations.

My extensive leadership experience has enabled me to develop valuable skills that help people thrive in stressful situations. I am adept at mentoring and coaching individuals to reach their potential in both academia and business.

My Ramsgate practice is a 1 minute walk from both Waitrose and the seafront. Being 1 mile away from Ramsgate Train Station, I am within easy reach of Margate, Broadstairs, Dumpton, Birchington, Westgate, Pegwell, Sandwich, Deal, Dover, Whitstable and Herne Bay.
My London practice is in Harley Street W1G, making it within easy reach of North London, Islington, Euston, Camden and Central London. – Please note: hours at my London practice are currently very limited.
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