Lara Tucker

I specialise in working with anxiety, stress, panic attacks IBS and the nervous system, confidence, low self esteem and depression and the subsequent effects of these on our lives, relationships and work.  I bring experience and understanding from many years of working with people both in my counselling practice and also a previous long term career in the police service, along with my own personal experiences of anxiety and trauma, personal therapy journey and life experiences.  I am a deeply compassionate and professional therapist, passionate about my work and helping people to gain an understanding of their struggles and to lead a happier and more fulfilled life.

We all need or would benefit from counselling at various times in our lives, no matter who we are or what we do, for many different reasons. Counselling enables us to be heard and valued, to gain an understanding of the difficulties we are experiencing, to heal past wounds or unmet needs and to establish coping strategies.  This subsequently enables us to live a more settled, fulfilled and happier life, where we can begin to value and believe in ourselves and change the patterns we have become stuck in.

I offer a safe, supportive and non judgemental space for you to be able to explore your own experiences and difficulties. I have trained in a number of theoretical approaches including Person Centred, Gestalt, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Transactional Analysis (T.A.), incorporating Mindfulness and a range of techniques to help you explore the struggles you are facing.

I work with anyone who is 18 or over, practicing in comfortable surroundings on the 3 floor of 5 Barnfield Crescent in the Southernhay area of Central Exeter.  I also offer Video Link and Phone call appointments.

I have many years experience of working with a wide range of people.  I have particular understanding and experience of working with anxiety, stress and depression related issues, low self esteem/confidence, workplace difficulties and relationship struggles. This can be for many different reasons, as a result of traumatic events or experiences past or present,  from unmet needs and confusion from childhood, from a build up of negative experiences which have left you feeling overwhelmed and struggling with the stresses and strains of modern day life. I can help you work through these difficulties and to find appropriate coping strategies to make positive changes to your life.

I welcome telephone enquiries, e mails and text messages, I understand how difficult it can be to find a Counsellor that is right for you and often an initial 20 minute meeting in person, by video link or phone call can help you with that process.  

My fees are £60 for hourly appointments.  I offer a number of concessionary spaces, for clients on low income and students at £40 or £45 an hour, dependent on what you can afford, please ask about my availability.  I offer long and short term therapy dependent on your needs. From experience weekly counselling sessions are very beneficial, especially initially, however I understand that this is not always possible, we will work around your needs and requirements.

I practice in Exeter on Mondays, Tuesday afternoons and Thursdays, face to face, by video link or phone and on Wednesdays presently by video link or phone only.

Professional Experience:

• Private Counsellor in Exeter.
• Volunteer Counsellor at the Margaret Jackson Centre in Exeter for 2 years.
• Volunteer in a residential care home offering additional support and companionship.
• 25 years of working in the Police Service, working with a wide range of people in many situations and settings.

Member Organisations:

National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS)
As an Accredited Registered Member of NCPS, I work within its ethical framework which ensures that I work safely and ethically.

I have Full Professional Liability Insurance and have DBS Clearance.