Natalie "Li" Laurent
Governmentally speaking, I'm Natalie Laurent, but I'm mostly referred to as Li, and in terms of what you want to know, it's fairly variable after education, values, approach & pricing. As we know, working on your self is largely about finding the right person to work with you, so as much as I can, I'll try to provide the key ins and outs of who I am so you can make an informed decision about whether I'm likely to be the right fit for you.
A Bit of Background
My career began as a professionally trained dancer, singer-songwriter and fundamentally, music artist, before I decided to explore a psychology career alongside the creative arts. I like doing both, and at the moment, get to enjoy the tandem of the two, balancing shows and touring with seeing clients and teaching workshops. In terms of how I work and my role here, I'm a therapist, published researcher and specialist vocal coach working online and in person. Prior to my current role as an independent AMHSW, I worked in public and private practices in the U.K. and Australia, and helped to mobilise the mental health social work sector for veterans with complex trauma in the U.K., specifically. I'm a little unusual as a therapist in that I quite obviously lead a life outside the psychological arena, which naturally I think is great, but I do like to make sure you're aware of that, so you can make an informed choice about the type of therapist you need - and how much they "exist" outside of the therapy room. In terms of bumping into each other out and about (this can and does happen), we can just have a chat about boundaries so everyone's comfortable.
​
​
Education & Training
-
Derby University, BSc Psychology First Class Honours | Deans Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement
-
University of York, Masters Mental Health Social Work Distinction | "Systemic Practice with Military Veterans"
-
Chester University, Doctoral Student in Counselling & Psychotherapy | ongoing​
-
Estill Method: Level 1 & Level 2
​
Professional Registrations
-
Social Work England
-
AASW
​
I've trained in prestigious programs internationally to gain professional qualifications from some brilliant professionals in the field to date. I work with 18+, couples, & have extensive experience with military personnel & veterans.
​
​
​​​​
​
Specialist Focus
What: Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Self Worth/Esteem, Confidence, Self Acceptance, Authenticity
Who: Adults 18+, Couples, Veterans
​
I work diversely, & internationally, so there's not a lot I haven't come across professionally in terms of culture, context, content & goals, ranging from finding your feet again after a global fall, or navigating the nuance of being someone who is quite literally, global. That said, if for any reason I don't think I'm the right fit for you/your needs, or think someone can do a better job, I'll refer you to someone who is/can.
​
​
Interventions & Modalities
It's really important to have a space that you can understand yourself better in, so that you can express yourself more authentically, freely and without quite so much unattended emotional baggage - outside of it. My approach is quite eclectic and generally quite informal. It's person centred (meaning it's focussing on you) & solution focussed (meaning I focus on what you need). The benefit of this individualised approach, is that depending on what you're wanting to bring to therapy, work through, understand, change or challenge - we can be adaptive.
​
Things I've found to be particularly effective are: CBT, DBT, EMDR, CPT, NLP, Positive Psychology, Neuroscience / Neurobiology, bibliotherapy, & self help in all the ways it's possible to access it. But mostly, just make sure your therapist feels right for you, and you'll be off to a solid start.
​
Workshops
"In practice, Li integrates traditional intervention with innovative methodology for effective outcomes, as demonstrated in her vocal coaching and improvisational techniques that revitalise therapy for clients, and skill development amongst professionals. As an artist, Li has honed a unique ability to communicate with authenticity and emotional depth. This artistic foundation informs her effectiveness as a workshop facilitator, as she brings not only creative insight but also a sharp wit, emotional intelligence, and a natural ability to foster connection. Her critically acclaimed debut album, Not a Genre, showcases the same honesty and intricacy she brings to her workshops, engaging participants with clarity, empathy, and intention. With a nuanced ability to take the complex and simplify this into digestible, relatable and easy to relay content; Li is an exciting voice in the social work sector, & seeks to embolden others to be professionally enriched, personally empowered & fundamentally renewed in their day-to-day life".
​
​
Referral Pathways:
GP, Self Referral, Medicare, Victims Services, Victims Assist, Open Arms, BUPA, WorkCover Queensland, Teachers Health, HCF, Doctor's Health Fund, SIRA, ACA and self funded sessions. Always check with your insurers what they're paying out for as their terms and conditions tend to vary.
​
