Laura Humphreys (she/her)
Principal Psychologist, Board Approved Supervisor, and Meditation Teacher
Director of YCP since 2012
Not currently taking new therapy clients.
My approach to therapy is flexible and collaborative, with a strong focus on building a genuine therapeutic relationship. I believe that the connection between therapist and client is a cornerstone of healing and recovery; I think that when we know someone sees the good in us, it becomes easier to share the things that feel difficult, scary, or even embarrassing.
I aim to create a space where you feel safe to be vulnerable and supported as you work toward the changes you are seeking—at whatever pace feels right for you. Drawing on my training in evidence-based therapies, I tailor my approach to suit your unique needs and goals.
My style is down-to-earth, warm, and validating. I also believe a little humour (and maybe some swearing) can go a long way in making the therapy process more human and relatable.
My experience and background
I am a generally registered psychologist with broad experience supporting adults with diverse mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, self-harm, trauma, eating disorders, psychotic illnesses, personality disorders, chronic suicidality, and sleep disorders. I value working with clients for a range of reasons, from enhancing wellbeing to managing acute and complex mental health challenges. My strengths as a therapist include finding paths forward in complex situations, offering hope when clients feel stuck, and holding compassionate boundaries.
I have a particular interest in supporting neurodivergent individuals, including Autistic people, ADHDers, and those with neurological disorders, acquired brain injuries, or dementing conditions. My previous career as a sleep scientist in a public hospital also informs my ongoing interest in psychological approaches to managing sleep disorders.
Earlier in my psychology career, I worked in a private psychiatry hospital, where I worked in the neuropsychology service and ran group therapy programs for inpatients. I later founded Yarra City Psychology to focus on providing inclusive psychological therapy, with the goal of creating a practice that welcomes people who may not always feel supported elsewhere. Recognising the value of collaboration, I expanded YCP to include a team of compassionate, evidence-driven clinicians. Together, we aim to provide neurodiversity-affirming and LGBTQIA+ welcoming care.
Over the past decade, I have developed a deep interest in mindfulness-based and compassion-focused therapies, integrating these approaches into my practice. My personal meditation practice has been a cornerstone of my own mental health care. In 2020, I enrolled in the two-year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program (MMTCP) with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach to deepen my knowledge in this area.
Availability
Unfortunately, I am not currently able to take new referrals. For existing clients, I am available for appointments:
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Monday (via telehealth)
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Tuesday afternoon/evening (in-person or via telehealth)
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Wednesday afternoon/evening (in-person or via telehealth)
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Thursday (via telehealth).
Supervision
I am a board approved supervisor and value the role of both supervisor and mentor. I am able to offer supervision for:
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interns/provisional psychologists
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psychology registrars who need a secondary supervisor
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psychologists working in addition to their placements
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psychologists and other mental health professionals who require ongoing supervision/peer consultation
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mental health clinicians who would like ad hoc supervision or who have recently been exposed to a difficult event in the workplace
I run the peer consultation groups offered by YCP.
My Favourite Fidget
The coggy is one of my favourite fidgets - it's actually a problem solving puzzle - but during distress it can be used like a fidget to help with emotion regulation.
Qualifications
Bachelor Applied Science (Psychology/Psychophysiol)
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)
Master of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology)
Professional Memberships
Registered Psychologist with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
Board-Approved Supervisor
Member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS)
Member the Australian Association of Psychologists (MAAPi)
Member EMDR Association of Australia
Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician
Member Australia & New Zealand Academy for Eating Disorders
Member Association for Contextual Behavioral Science
Australian Professional Association for Trans Health (AusPATH)
Australian ADHD Professionals Association
Therapeutic Modalities
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Schema Therapy
Mindfulness-based interventions
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Enhanced CBT (for eating disorders)
Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM)
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Funding and Referral Options
Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP)
Medicare Eating Disorder Plan (EDP)
Medicare Chronic Disease (CDM) plan
Registered TAC Provider
Victim of Crime Financial Assistance Scheme
Melbourne City Mission FRMP funding
Private Health Insurance rebates may apply
Therapeutic Supports under NDIS ‘Improved Daily Living’. Self-managed or plan-managed NDIS plans only.