Laura Hans
Pregnancy, Postpartum & Motherhood Psychotherapist
Hi, I'm Laura, a Pregnancy, Postpartum & Motherhood Psychotherapist, and mum of three. I'm so glad you found me.
Specialising in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), and Schema Therapy for low mood, anxiety and trauma, I support mums and mums-to-be on their journey to and through motherhood.
I believe one of the best things we can do as parents is prioritise our own mental health, work through issues, and heal from trauma, not only because we deserve to experience emotional wellness, but also to reduce the impact of our problems on our children.
With three young children of my own, I understand how hard parenthood can be. In amongst the beauty and joy are some of life’s toughest moments.
I know what it’s like to feel exhausted, overwhelmed and touched out. To long for a break, crave time alone, or simply wish you could run away from it all. More than anything, I know what it’s like to feel guilty for feeling these things.
It was my own experience of postnatal anxiety that originally prompted me to train as a therapist. Both personally and professionally, I’ve seen just how powerful and transformative CBT, EMDR and Schema Therapy can be.
I’m passionate about supporting and empowering mothers, normalising their struggles and helping them overcome their difficulties. Because when you start tending to your own needs – when you feel nurtured, validated and understood – you’ll find it easier to care for yourself and those around you.
I support mums and mums-to-be who are:
- considering pregnancy or currently trying to conceive
- feeling afraid/anxious about giving birth
- feeling anxious about blood tests/injections/medical procedures
- dealing with fear of sickness (emetophobia)
- feeling low during pregnancy/after baby's birth
- struggling to manage the transition to motherhood
- experiencing distressing intrusive thoughts
- dealing with the emotional aftermath of a difficult birth experience
- feeling anxious about their own health or the health of their baby
- feeling anxious about leaving the house or going out with baby
- struggling with low self-esteem which has worsened during pregnancy/since childbirth
- worrying about lots of different things, including pregnancy/the baby
- struggling with perfectionism
- experiencing panic attacks
- dealing with unresolved past trauma
Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, bringing a baby into the world is a huge transition. The postnatal period doesn't magically end when your baby turns one. It’s ongoing – a constant process requiring you to evolve, adapt and change as your child grows. Challenges can arise at any point, so I welcome mothers with children of all ages, at any point in their journey.
I’ve been working in the mental health sector since 2010 and I’m an accredited member of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy (BABCP). This means I’ve had all the necessary training required to offer high-quality, evidence-based CBT. I am also an EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner and am in the process of completing my ISST Schema Therapy Accreditation. I have the following qualifications:
- Undergraduate degree in Psychology - University of Northampton 2010
- Certificate in Low Intensity CBT - University College London 2014
- Diploma in High Intensity CBT - University of East Anglia 2018.
- EMDR Therapy Training - EMDR Academy 2022
- ISST Recognised Schema Therapy Training May 2023
I live in Milton Keynes with my husband and our three children. Like most families, our lives are chaotic and busy, but whenever we get the chance, we love visiting the seaside, especially in Bournemouth and Cornwall. If I’m not playing rounders on the sand, you’ll find me in the water with my body board, waiting for a big wave to carry me ashore. Back home, I enjoy walking and being outside, but I also love curling up in front of the TV, especially if there’s an episode of The Cube or Catchphrase on!
