Laura Spencer

Family Therapist

Supporting you to support your little person, because you were never meant to do this alone.

Laura Spencer

Family Therapist

Supporting you to support your little person, because you were never meant to do this alone.

About me

For fifteen years I’ve worked across government agencies, community mental health, high schools and private clinics supporting beautiful families with their struggles.  

After becoming a parent myself I realised what I’d missed before; that our culture unnecessarily complicates the important work of attachment and relationships. I’d found my calling…

Today, I run a private practice devoted to helping parents form secure, strong bonds with their kiddos by rejecting the unhelpful advice and narratives. 

I’d love to support you. Let’s have a cuppa and talk all about it.

Laura Spencer holding a cup of tea

My philosophy and approach to therapy

I’m dreaming of a world where parenting is guided by instinct, attachment and relationships. Oh, and a deep understanding of how our culture messes it all up.

My approach is informed by a range of theories and practices:

How I can help

I’d love to help you if…

Laura Spencer with a child
Laura Spencer with her family
Laura Spencer with a child

Parenting is not how you hoped

You feel like things in your family are more stressful than enjoyable and you are longing for ease in your days.

You’re struggling with

Your child's separation anxiety, limit testing, emotional meltdowns, strong will etc.

You're worried about 'labels'

People have described your child in ways that concern you - like 'fussy', 'sensitive', 'intense', 'odd', 'demanding' or 'needy'.

You're feeling pressured by 'norms' that aren't normal!

You want to listen to your instincts but there’s so much noise and you don’t know which voice to listen to.

You want to change generational patterns

So that your children have a closer connection to you than you had with your parents.

What to expect

Connect

We start by building rapport and understanding your family's unique story, including your child's temperament, passions, and challenges.

Normalise

Western culture often labels children and parents. Together, we assess if these labels fit your family and decide whether to keep or discard them.

Identify problems

We pinpoint the real issues affecting your family, focusing on your concerns rather than external judgments.

Establish hopes

We prioritise your family's aspirations and goals, ensuring our work together aligns with your desired outcomes.

Ease Problems

We’ll address the challenges with empathy and creativity through talking, play, observations, directions and feedback.

Stay on track

Each session, we review progress, refocus on your goals, and tailor our approach to keep moving forward effectively.

FAQs

This is family therapy, so anyone and everyone from your family is welcome.

The first session will be a lot of questions so you may prefer a parent-only session, but it is not imperative.

Additionally, throughout our time together we will have a combination of family members at each session depending on need.

I meet clients at Essendon Counselling Rooms at 80-82 Keilor Road, Essendon. 

If you’re further away or can’t meet in person, telehealth sessions are also available.

Yes. I offer telehealth appointments or in-person appointments at Essendon Counselling Rooms at 80-82 Keilor Road, Essendon. 

I see clients on Mondays and Fridays.

RCC Registered Clinincal CounsellorI have a Bachelor of Social Science and a Masters in Clinical Family Therapy. 

I am a Clinical Member of both the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and the Australian Association of Family Therapy (AAFT).

My fee is $160 per 50 minute session

Unfortunately Medicare does not offer rebates for Family Therapy.

Contact & bookings

While Laura is most passionate about working with families with young dependents (0-7 years), she supports families of all ages and dynamics.

She sees clients on Monday and Fridays in Essendon or via telehealth.

Call

0406 439 709

SMS

0406 439 709

Email

laura@lauraspencer.com.au

Location

Essendon Counselling Rooms
80-82 Keilor Road, Essendon