Mrs Lynda de Laeter Counsellor

Lynda is an experienced counsellor who has a wide variety of life experiences, which helps her bring a “down to earth” perspective on life challenges and a practical and caring approach to counselling. Lynda is passionate about providing a non-judgmental, client-centred compassionate space for her clients. She can apply a number of therapies depending on the client’s situation and preference, assisting clients to tell their story at their own pace and in their own way. Lynda will always be transparent about her practice and encourages questions and feedback. Lynda enjoys listening deeply to clients, offering empathy, encouragement, and working together towards self-awareness and solutions. Lynda enjoys helping clients find meaning and purpose in life. Sometimes people can be uncertain about which way to go and how to feel motivated to overcome challenges. Lynda has training and practice in motivational interviewing, helping clients to “open up’ their choices from different perspectives. She can help clients determine the stages of change they may be ready for and support recovery plans that are realistic for the situation. Lynda is also a trauma-informed counsellor. This means she is trained to help clients stay safe in the counselling space, never forcing responses that could trigger overwhelming emotions. Lynda can teach clients how to experience emotions in a healthy way and understand what these emotions may mean. Lynda can assist clients in their mindfulness journey, helping those who have experienced trauma to begin to heal. Lynda is trained in Narrative Therapy. This means that a client may have a relaxed space to tell their stories with minimal prompts from the counsellor. Sometimes Lynda may ask a gentle question to gain a better understanding of what the client is experiencing or provide a reflection to make sure she has heard it properly. This respectful approach is helpful for people who experience life feeling “unheard”. Many times, when clients feel valued, they feel stronger facing challenges. Lynda has kindness and empathy for those experiencing grief and loss. Counselling can be a supportive environment assisting clients to process the impact of loss and to begin the healing journey at their own pace. Lynda has trained in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). This means she can help clients identify their patterns of thinking, core beliefs and values. Understanding these things better can help clients make choices that bring lasting change. CBT can also assist in helping clients understand how they may see themselves. Many times, outside influences can affect our perspective in positive ways, but also in negative ways. Some clients prefer the Solution Focused practice. These clients may like the goal setting approach with the support of Lynda. These clients may like to work visually on a whiteboard, or their own choice of medium, or in other practical ways. Professionally, Lynda has spent many years assisting clients recovering from addiction in the residential rehabilitation and adult prison environment. She is experienced in relapse prevention planning and understanding the triggers that cause addictions. She draws from this experience to help clients as unique individuals, respectful of their life choices.