Welcome

Social Work and Therapy

Discover a safe space for healing, growth, and meaningful connection. With over 10 years of experience, I offer empathetic, professional support for emotional challenges, relationship struggles, family dynamics, mental health, and addiction recovery. Specializing in adolescents, couples, and families, I’m here to help you navigate life with clarity and care.
My office is situated in Walmer, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape.

Social work and therapy

Social Work Services Offered

Individual Therapy

Support for adults and adolescents seeking clarity, emotional support, or help navigating life’s challenges. Common focus areas include:

  • Anxiety and depression

  • Identity and self-esteem

  • Burnout and stress

  • Grief and loss

  • Trauma recovery

  • LGBTQIA+ affirming support

Couples Counselling

A space for couples to explore their relationship, improve communication, and rebuild trust. I assist couples with:

  • Conflict resolution

  • Emotional disconnection

  • Infidelity and betrayal

  • Codependency and boundary-setting

  • Navigating separation or divorce

Adolescent Support

With years of experience in school settings, I offer a therapeutic space that teens can trust. I help adolescents work through:

  • Emotional regulation

  • Peer and identity issues

  • Academic stress

  • Family conflict

  • Life transitions

Mental Health & Recovery Support

Drawing from my experience at Hunterscraig Hospital, I offer informed, compassionate support for individuals managing:

  • Addiction and recovery

  • Managing psychiatric diagnoses (e.g. bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression)

  • Life after discharge from inpatient care

Social work and therapy

About Me

Hi I'm Lara, a registered social worker with over 10 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families through life’s challenges. My journey began working with vulnerable youth, followed by roles in the NGO sector, education, and mental health care, including time at Collegiate Girls' High School and Life Hunterscraig Hospital.Now in private practice, I offer compassionate, client-centered therapy grounded in evidence-based approaches. I’m especially passionate about working with adolescents, couples in crisis, and families facing complex dynamics. I also support those recovering from trauma, burnout, and mental health struggles.My practice is built on empathy, trust, and real connection, creating a safe space for meaningful growth and change.

Contact social worker and therapist

Let’s Connect

If you are ready to begin therapy or simply want to find out more about how I can support you, I’d love to hear from you.Practice Location:
178 Main Road, Walmer, GqeberhaConsultation Hours:
Monday to Friday | 08:00 to 16:00Online and in-person sessions available by appointment.To book a session or ask a question, please contact me using any method listed below. I will get back to you within 1–2 business days.

Take the Next Step

You don’t have to navigate this alone.

Reaching out for help takes courage. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, relationship challenges, family conflict, or just feeling overwhelmed, support is available, and change is possible.At Lara Hayward Social Work and Therapy, you’ll find a space where you are listened to without judgment, where your experiences are respected, and where we work together to move toward
healing and hope.If you’re ready to begin, or even just thinking about it, I invite you to get in touch. Let’s explore how therapy can help you reclaim your voice, restore your peace, and build a more fulfilling life."The smallest step in the right direction can turn out to be the biggest step of your life"

Social work and therapy

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