About Lara
Lara is an integrative counsellor based in Cheltenham, offering both face-to-face and online sessions. She understands that taking the first step towards counselling can feel daunting and provides a compassionate, safe space where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings at their own pace. Together with her clients, she works through challenges to uncover root causes, develop effective strategies, and help them achieve a greater sense of well-being.
Her Approach to Therapy
Lara believes that each person’s journey is unique and deserving of respect. Her integrative approach draws on techniques from various counselling models, tailored to suit each client’s personal experiences, needs, and goals. Whether someone is facing depression, anxiety, addiction, or relationship difficulties, she provides support in navigating these challenges within a non-judgemental and empathetic environment.
She incorporates both person-centred and psychodynamic techniques into her practice. The person-centred approach creates a nurturing environment for personal growth, much like providing a plant with the right conditions—soil, water, light, and nutrients—so it can thrive. Similarly, in therapy, she creates a supportive space that allows clients to grow and flourish.
The psychodynamic approach focuses on how unconscious thoughts and past experiences shape current feelings and behaviours. By understanding these influences, clients can gain clarity, develop greater self-awareness, and build a stronger sense of control over their lives.
Lara believes therapy is not only about addressing challenges but also about reconnecting with yourself, finding purpose, and building resilience. Her goal is to empower clients with tools and strategies they can continue to use long after their sessions have ended.
Training, Qualifications & Experience
Lara is a Registered Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and adheres to its Ethical Framework, ensuring that clients’ safety and well-being remain central to her work.
Her qualifications and training include:
- CPCAB Level 2 and Level 3 in Counselling Studies (Listening Post, Gloucester)
- CPCAB Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling (Gloucestershire College)
- Volunteer Counsellor at Listening Post, Cheltenham
- Suicide Awareness/Prevention Training (Harmless Charity)
- Trauma Therapy Training (led by Margaret Langdale)
- Art Psychotherapy
- Healing Your Inner Child
- The Neuroscience of Adverse Childhood Experiences
- Complex Emotional Needs
- Working with Clients in Prisons
- Navigating Grief
- ADHD, Autism & Relationships
Lara is also a Specialist Complex Care Counsellor, supporting individuals living with a disability, as well as those affected by supporting or caring for someone with a disability.
Top Specialties and Expertise
- Addiction
- ADHD
- Alcohol Use
- Anxiety
- Autism
- Behavioural Issues
- Bereavement
- Cancer
- Depression
- Divorce
- Drug Abuse
- Health Conditions
- Hoarding
- Infidelity
- Peer Relationships
- Relationship Issues
- Self-Esteem
- Stress
- Substance Use
- Suicidal Ideation
- Trauma and PTSD
- Women’s Issues
Therapies Offered
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Integrative Counselling
- Person-Centred Therapy
- Psychoanalytical and Psychodynamic Therapies
- Humanistic Therapy
- Relational Therapy
If you are ready to take the next step towards personal growth, Lara would be honoured to support you on your journey. To book a consultation or ask any questions, please feel free to get in touch.
