Welcome to Cor & Co.
Hi, I’m Laura Whelan,
a Brisbane-based Psychologist
and it’s a Pleasure to Meet You.
Whether you’re here out of curiosity or considering engaging in therapy, I can appreciate that multiple things may have lead you to this point and the road may not have been entirely smooth sailing.
As a registered psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, I have worked across various settings, including in community organisations, forensic psychiatric in-patient settings, child and youth services and private clinics.
I have completed six years of university training and supervised experience at the University of Queensland (UQ) and Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and obtained the following degrees:
- Master of Clinical Psychology
- Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)
I am currently undertaking additional training and development to obtain my endorsement as a clinical psychologist.
My Services
I work from an attachment-informed and psychodynamically-orientated approach to foster a deeper understanding of yourself and your emotional experiences, though am trained in a variety of therapies and am able to tailor interventions to your needs and goals.
I provide Medicare rebated services and am able to work with individuals who have obtained a Mental Health Care Plan, Eating Disorder Management Plan and/or Chronic Disease Management Plan from their treating doctor.
I also work with individuals who have self-managed or plan-managed NDIS services. However, it is not necessary to receive a referral to book an appointment and I also provide services to those choosing to seek out therapy privately.
“How much of life have I missed, he wondered,
simply by failing to look?
Or by looking and not seeing?”
Irvin D. Yalom
Meaning behind the Name: Cor originates from Latin signifying, ‘heart’, and is also the root word of courage - qualities that come to life when embarking on the journey of self-discovery. I use evidence-based strategies and an attachment-focused approach, to help uncover unconscious patterns from past experiences to foster healing, growth, and stronger relationships.
The Process
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To get started, reach out via call, email, or the online contact form. Let me know a bit about what you’re seeking support with, your availability and your preferred method of contact. If you’re unsure about what you need, that’s okay! I’m here to guide you.
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Upon receiving your inquiry, I may arrange a free phone consultation to discuss your questions and assess our compatibility. During this call, I’ll explore your needs, provide answers, and help determine the best type of support for you.
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To proceed, I’ll schedule your first appointment at your convenience and guide you in setting up an account in the secure client portal for appointment updates and important information.
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Before your session, I’ll ask you to complete a brief intake form to help me understand your background, needs, and goals. You can also visit the website to learn more about my approach and services, ensuring you feel comfortable!
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On the day of your appointment, all you need to do is show up and be yourself. If it’s an online session, simply join the link in your appointment confirmation.
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In our initial sessions, we'll develop a personalised therapy plan based on your goals and needs, detailing focus areas, session structure, and progress tracking for a supportive journey.
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During your therapy journey, we will regularly monitor your progress to ensure you're on track to meet your goals, make adjustments as needed, celebrate milestones, and enhance the effectiveness of your experience.
My Approach
In my approach to therapy, I draw from various evidence-based psychological strategies, including distress tolerance, emotion regulation and behavioural interventions. However, I work predominantly from a psychodynamically-based approach that is rooted in attachment theory. In therapy, I hope to gain a deep understanding of you by learning about your past experiences, including those from childhood, and how they might impact your current relationship with yourself and others in your life. Through our therapeutic relationship, we’ll uncover potential unconscious processes that may be driving your thoughts, feelings and behaviours and empower you to gain increased self-awareness to lead a more fulfilling life.
My Areas
of Interest
My psychology practice draws from experience working with people across the lifespan, with various presenting concerns and from varying backgrounds. I have a special interest in, though not limited to, the following areas:
Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Difficulties with self-esteem and confidence
Trauma/PTSD
Interpersonal and relationship difficulties
Psychosis
Family stressors/conflict