Lara Piper

I am a fully qualified and experienced psychodynamic and embodied counsellor. I also offer EMDR therapy. I provide open-ended and time limited counselling, both in-person and online.

​People take the step to seek counselling for many reasons. Perhaps you are experiencing feelings of anxiety, overwhelm or depression. You may be facing a dilemma, feeling stuck or lacking a sense of purpose or direction in life. Often people will come because they are struggling with relationship or family issues that feel hard to resolve. A traumatic event, loss or life-stage crisis might lead you to look for professional support.

I understand that it is natural to feel apprehensive or anxious about taking the step to seek counselling support. Whatever you are facing, I provide a confidential, safe and non-judgemental space within which to explore your feelings and thoughts. This gives you the opportunity to reflect and gain greater awareness of your self and your situation within the context of a supportive therapeutic relationship.

My foundational approach is psychodynamic which means that the counselling relationship forms an important part of our work together. Early experiences help to shape who we are and influence our sense of self, capacity for emotional regulation and how we function in relationships. We will explore your present and past relationships and experiences to develop a deeper awareness of patterns and beliefs and their impact on you and your day to day life.

My practice is trauma-informed and embraces an embodied approach, paying close attention to the present moment, exploring sensations, feelings, thoughts and dreams to deepen awareness. As an embodied practitioner, I am interested in how our bodies express and contain our past experiences and can be worked with to access and understand our emotions and facilitate growth and healing. I consider counselling to be a collaborative and creative process and sometimes use mindful or creative exercises where this feels relevant and helpful. I can use EMDR therapy when appropriate. 

I believe in our capacity for change and have seen through personal and professional experience how counselling can encourage our natural instinct to grow, heal and find meaning in our lives.

I offer a free, 15 minute phone call to discuss the counselling before the first appointment. In the first session I will include some time to go through an informal assessment. This will provide me with some history and context as we begin to work together.