My Professional Training and Experience
Hello, I’m Laura, and I’m deeply passionate about helping people find healing, meaning, and balance in their lives. My work brings together a lifelong fascination with the human mind and body, a deep respect for science and natural medicine, and a heartfelt commitment to psychological, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.
My professional journey began with a science degree from the University of Melbourne, where I majored in anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, and biochemistry. I started my career teaching science, biology, and chemistry to secondary school students, before moving into special education at the Royal Children’s Hospital Secondary School. Working closely with long-stay students was a deeply humbling and formative experience—it gave me great insight into human resilience and the importance of care and connection in times of challenge.
From there, I spent ten years as a Senior Education Officer at the (then new) Melbourne Museum, working in the Human Mind and Body Gallery. In this role, I developed and presented programs on the fascinating frontiers of biotechnology, medicine, and human development—sharing knowledge with students, educators, and professionals across the health and science fields. These years strengthened my curiosity about how the body and mind interact and continue to inform my work with clients today.
Alongside my scientific background, I was drawn to a more holistic understanding of health and went on to complete a degree in Traditional Western Herbal and Nutritional Medicine (Naturopathy). Working with clients in private practice, I quickly noticed how deeply psychological and emotional wellbeing influence physical health and healing. This insight inspired me to return to study and explore the field of Counselling Psychotherapy—initially through depth-oriented psychodynamic and Jungian approaches, and later through a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychotherapy.
My research focused on clients’ real experiences of self-discovery and growth through Jungian Sandplay Therapy—a creative and deeply personal therapeutic process. Over time, these foundations have evolved into a trauma-informed approach that honours each person’s unique story, integrating compassion, science, and the wisdom of lived experience.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic and through my trauma-focused work, I have also integrated Christian counselling approaches that draw on spirituality as a vital aspect of healing. This perspective helps clients make sense of critical events in their life stories and discover authentic meaning and purpose as they recover and grow through trauma.
In recent years, I’ve also enjoyed teaching and mentoring others in the field. As a sessional lecturer at Endeavour College of Natural Health, I’ve trained future health practitioners in clinical counselling and professional communication skills. I also work as a clinical supervisor, providing professional guidance and support for counsellors and psychotherapists in practice.
Today, I manage Soul Care: Counselling Psychotherapy & Naturopathy—a holistic, integrative health practice in Woodend, the town where I grew up. I also work online with clients across regional and rural Victoria.
At Soul Care, I help individuals and couples navigate a wide range of concerns—from anxiety, grief, and depression to trauma, stress, relationship challenges, and questions of spirituality and identity. My approach combines evidence-based psychological therapies with naturopathic and nutritional medicine, supporting both emotional and physical wellbeing—especially for those managing chronic stress, trauma, pain, fatigue, and burnout.
My work is grounded in a simple belief: that lasting wellbeing comes from nurturing the whole person—mind, body, spirit, and relationships. I care deeply about helping people rediscover a sense of peace, belonging, and purpose in their lives, and it’s a privilege to walk alongside each person on their journey toward healing and growth.