Therapy with
Lauren King

Counselling and Psychotherapy, in Stockport, Manchester, and Online

Questions you might have

How long does therapy last? 
This will depend on the nature of our work together, and what you might need to meet your goals. This can vary from person to person and is something that we can discuss during our initial meeting and continue to review during our time working together. 

How long are the sessions?
If we decide to work together, our sessions would last for 50 minutes. We would usually meet on the same day and at the same time on a weekly basis. I prefer to see clients weekly to allow us to build a therapeutic relationship and to properly explore your reasons for coming to therapy, however I understand that this may not always be possible. If this is difficult for you, we can discuss this in our introductory conversation and regularly review this during our sessions.

What is your style of therapy?
My style of therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in curiosity. I am to create a safe and non-judgemental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences at your own pace. I draw from Transactional Analysis (TA) to help you to understand the patterns that shape how you relate to yourself and others, however I do also draw from other therapeutic approaches depending on the clients needs.

What is Transactional Analysis? 
Transactional Analysis (TA) is a theory of personality and a practical approach to therapy that can help you to understand how you think, feel, and behave. It’s based on the idea that we all have three ego states – Parent, Adult, and Child – which influence how to we relate to ourselves and others. By exploring and increasing our awareness of these patterns, TA can help you improve communication, build self-awareness, and make more conscious choices in your relationships and every-day lives. 

What kinds of issues can therapy help with?
Therapy can help with a broad range of issues, including (but not limited to) managing anxiety, depression, shame, navigating grief or loss, low self-esteem, self-criticism, and relationship difficulties.

What are some signs that I might benefit from therapy?
There are not always obvious signs that you might benefit from therapy, nor do you need to be in crisis to benefit from support. However, if you’re feeling stuck in repeated patterns, experiencing difficulties within your relationships, or simply wanting to explore who you are, you may benefit from therapy. You may have experienced a significant life change or transition, experienced loss, or want to process unresolved issues.  Therapy provides a space to better understand yourself, build resilience, and create meaningful change in your life — whether you’re addressing specific challenges or simply seeking a greater sense of fulfillment.

What happens in a typical session?
Each session is a confidential space for you to talk openly about what’s on your mind. We’ll explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences at a pace that feels comfortable for you. I may ask gentle questions to help you reflect, identify patterns, and gain new perspectives.

Depending on your needs, sessions might focus on understanding current challenges, exploring past experiences, or developing practical strategies for change. Over time, we’ll work together to deepen your self-awareness, strengthen coping skills, and support your personal growth.

There’s no “right” way to do therapy — it’s a collaborative process that adapts to what you need most in each session

How is therapy different from talking to a friend or family member?
While friends and family can offer comfort and support, therapy provides something different. A therapist offers a confidential, non-judgemental space focused entirely on you – without personal involvement or expectations. 

Is what I say in therapy confidential? 
Yes. What you share in therapy is treated with strict confidentiality. This means that everything discussed in our sessions stays private and is not shared with anyone else.

There are a few legal and ethical exceptions where I am required to break confidentiality — for example, if there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, or if there are concerns about the safety of a child or vulnerable person. I will always explain these limits clearly at the start of our work together, so you understand exactly how your information is protected.

Confidentiality is an essential part of building trust in therapy, and your privacy is always treated with the utmost respect and care.

What if I don’t feel comfortable or think therapy isn’t helping? 
Feeling comfortable with your therapist is an important part of the process. It’s completely normal to take a few sessions to find your footing and see how the work feels. If at any point you feel uncertain or think therapy isn’t helping, I encourage you to talk about it openly in our sessions. These conversations can often lead to valuable insights or adjustments that make the work more effective.

If it turns out that a different approach or therapist might be a better fit, we can discuss options together to support a smooth transition. Therapy should always feel like a collaborative and respectful process — your comfort and progress are the priority.