About me
BACP and NCPS-registered counsellor & former social worker.
I’m Lara. I work with individuals who feel overwhelmed and stuck. I help them manage difficult feelings and find ways forward.
I support people with a wide range of difficulties and have particular experience helping those affected by trauma. Many of the adults I see feel trapped in unfulfilling situations, harmful relationships or patterns of people-pleasing. I help them prioritise their needs and live more on their own terms.
Whether you’re dealing with a loss or change, struggling with self-doubt, or hoping to feel more confident, I offer a compassionate, confidential setting to discuss what matters to you without pressure. No judgements, hurrying you, or asking probing questions. I may offer new perspectives and possibilities but we move gently at your pace towards the changes you are looking for.
My approach is trauma-informed. I recognise that past experiences can affect how safe it feels to trust, say No or talk about what's happened. I’ll respect your choices about what you share and where we focus.
Training, qualifications & experience
A counsellor since 2007, with over 30 years' experience across counselling and social work.
My core training is in Person-Centred counselling. I have also undertaken further courses covering hypno-psychotherapy, CBT, psychodynamic and solution-focused approaches, as well as trauma, safeguarding and child protection.
Main qualifications:
- Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
- Certificate in Online & Telephone Counselling
- Advanced Certificate in Clinical Supervision
- ADHD Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CSSP)
- Post-graduate Diploma in Social Work
- BA Hons Community Studies (Social Sciences)
Experience before Private Practice:
- Counselling in prisons
- Therapy in sexual abuse and domestic violence recovery services
- School counselling (specialist SEMH and mainstream)
- Online & telephone helplines
- Bereavement Support
- Social work in child protection, family courts, and residential care
Member organisations
school Registered / Accredited
Being registered/accredited with a professional body means an individual must have achieved a substantial level of training and experience approved by their member organisation.
The National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society This Not For Profit association of counsellors and psychotherapists aim to support the counselling profession, members and training organisations. In 2013 the NCS register was accredited by the Professional Standards Authority under the Accredited Voluntary Register Scheme. Accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
BACP is one of the UK’s leading professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy with around 60,000 members. The Association has several different categories of membership, including Student Member, Individual Member, Registered Member MBACP, Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Accred) and Senior Registered Accredited Member MBACP (Snr Acccred). Registered and accredited members are listed on the BACP Register, which shows that they have demonstrated BACP’s recommended standards for training, proficiency and ethical practice. The BACP Register was the first register of psychological therapists to be accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA). Accredited and senior accredited membership are voluntary categories for members who choose to undertake a rigorous application and assessment process to demonstrate additional standards around practice, training and supervision. Individual members will have completed an appropriate counselling or psychotherapy course and started to practise, but they won’t appear on the BACP Register until they've demonstrated that they meet the standards for registration. Student members are still in the process of completing their training. All members are bound by the BACP Ethical Framework and a Professional Conduct Procedure.
Accredited register membership
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
The Accredited Register Scheme was set up in 2013 by the Department of Health (DoH) as a way to recognise organisations that hold voluntary registers which meet certain standards. These standards are set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA).
This therapist has indicated that they belong to an Accredited Register.
Areas of counselling I deal with
Other areas of counselling I deal with
Confidential Online Therapy Across the UK - Zoom and Phone Sessions
If you are looking for support that fits a busy lifestyle, are struggling to find the right counsellor locally, or suffer from extreme anxiety, online sessions may be the ideal solution for you. As long as you have access to a quiet, private space, you can fit your therapy around family and work commitments, and continue your sessions when away from home.
Outdoor Therapy
I offer walk-and-talk therapy. Instead of sitting face-to-face, we walk side by side outdoors, exploring issues in a natural setting.
Individual and Group Supervision
I provide supervision (and therapy) to counsellors and trainees practicing Person-Centred and Integrative counselling. See my Supervisor profile.
Therapies offered
Photos & videos
Fees
Concessions offered for
Additional information
Initial Chat
I offer a FREE-OF-CHARGE in-person or Zoom introductory session (of about 30 minutes). There’s no pressure, just a chance to explore whether we’re the right fit for each other.
My Fees
1-hour Counselling Session: £50.00 (£40.00 for trainee counsellors).
1-hour Supervision Session: £50.00 (£45.00 for trainee counsellors).
Sessions may be scheduled flexibly to suit your needs.
Fees are payable in cash or by card reader. Payment for online sessions and young people’s counselling is made in advance via payment link. Fees can be invoiced to employers/third-party organisations.
When I work
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Further information
If you’d like to explore working together, feel free to get in touch.. I'd love to hear from you.
If you phone, please leave a voicemail if you'd like me to call you back. I only return calls where a call-back has been requested.
