About me
I am a trauma, eating disorder and dissociation therapist that works with a whole array of trauma related issues including PTSD, C-PTSD, dissociative challenges such as depersonalisation & derealisation (DP/DR) dissociative identity disorder (DID) and other specified dissociative disorder (OSDD). I also work with the secondary challenges that arise alongside these struggles, such as low self-esteem, relational issues, trauma symptoms, boundaries, communication challenges and anxiety/depression (to name just a few).
I am qualified to offer assessment for dissociative disorders including other specified dissociative disorder (OSDD), partial DID (P-DID) and dissociative identity disorder (DID) through the SCID-D assessment interview and training with the ISSTD professional training program. The SCID-D interview is the gold standard of assessment tools for the dissociative disorders. Once completed a diagnostic report will be formulated for either yourself or the service that you may be involved with.
In my work with my clients I draw from my own lived experience, what I have learnt has been useful for others and a selection of theories and evidence-based therapeutic approaches. These approaches include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Eating Disorders (CBT-E), ego states therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and 3 -phase trauma informed practice, alongside interventions from different schools of thought such as psychodynamic theory, humanistic, attachment theory, social learning theory, the theory of structural dissociation and polyvagal theory.
These interventions are skills that can be applied collaboratively to help you tackle the challenges that are keeping you stuck. In my experience the therapeutic relationship is at the core of this process and with the right support and guidance, change is possible. I believe that I can help you to navigate these changes and can understand the themes underlying what you are experiencing and the reasons why change may be hard.
My collaborative work is a testament to my belief in the ability for humans to thrive and grow, overcome adversity and reclaim a sense of control over life. When people work with me they say that they are not just working with a therapist; they are partnering with someone who is human, down to earth, authentic, honest, trustworthy, none-judgemental, accepting, compassionate and genuinely cares and understands your journey to healing and self-discovery.
Laura Flann
Trauma and Eating Disorders Therapist
I have personal history of trauma, recovery from an eating disorder and a history of dissociative challenges. In the sphere of healing and therapy, people tell me that I stand out for my profound empathy, lived experience, knowledge, and unwavering commitment to my clients’ wellbeing. I am also dedicated to helping individuals navigate their personal journeys towards recovery, healing and self-discovery.
Having been through many types of therapy myself including specialised eating disorder and therapy for dissociation, I came to see the relationship as a tool for healing. When we have been through relational trauma a trusting relationship where we are understood, heard, validated and not judged is crucial to recovery and I feel through my empathy and lived experiences I am able to offer this.
Qualifications
I received my formal training from a selection of reputable institutions and have gathered a wealth of practical experience in my career so far.
- Professional Integrative Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy.
- Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Psychology (BSc Hons Psych)
- Advanced Diploma in CBT-E for Eating Disorders.
- Advanced Diploma in Nutritional Interventions for Eating Disorders.
- Advanced Diploma in the management and treatment of Obesity.
- Tizzard Behavioural Training in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).
- Level 2 Gym Instructor and level 3 Personal Trainer.
- ISSTD professional program, specialising in dissociative disorders including dissociative identity disorder (DID).
- Expert by lived experience of trauma, dissociation & eating challenges
- Ego states training.
- SCID-D training to assess dissociative disorders including OSDD and DID.
- Currently undergoing the PAWS animal assisted therapy certificate.
Organisational involvement
- I am an individual member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP).
- I am an accredited member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS).
- I am a graduate member of the British Psychological Society
- A member of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD).
- I am a member of RANS advisory board, who have taken on the legacy of first person plural (FPP) and are developing their service to carry out the Plural Futures Project of which I shall be helping to inform.
I provide a safe, supportive space where clients are encouraged to express themselves freely, explore their emotions, and confront their deepest fears. By illuminating the shadows of past trauma, I empower my clients to face and gradually dismantle the painful memories and unresolved emotions that often hold them hostage.
About my dog Maple
Maple is my 7.5 month old toy poodle. Together we are currently undergoing the PAWS animal assisted therapy certificate so that Maple can work with me as an official therapy dog. When we have been through traumatic experiences, especially relational trauma, it can be difficult for us to trust others and relational connection can be challenging and feel impossible.
Animals such as Maple can offer a uniquely special relationship with humans, allowing a safe connection to be established. Animals are also a grounding and soothing influence, enabling a person to be able to experience both regulation and co-regulation, something that was missing for many of us through childhood.
Maple has a quirky character, she’s loving and enjoys a cuddle, she’s also playful and intelligent and likes to get up to mischief. She loves chicken, chasing a ball and chewing a stick. She’s not keen on dogs behaving very badly (the TV show), wheelie bins and Leeks.
Meet the HTFW Team
Throughout the website you will meet the Healing Trauma from Within doll team that will share their stories and struggles with you. This is in no way meant to make light of the serious challenges that are experienced by those with food and trauma related issues, it is an attempt at addressing these topics in a creative way. I hope that you can relate to their stories and draw inspiration from their journey of healing and recovery. I have tried my best to use a range of dolls, but I am limited to the range on the market.
