Dr. Lara James, NCPS

Dr. Lara James helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship problems, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, and big life changes. She also supports people dealing with addictions, grief, intimacy issues, eating and sleeping problems, parenting strain, anger, career concerns, bipolar and depression, coaching needs, and ADHD. She is based in the United Kingdom and speaks English.

Dr. James holds an NCPS credential from the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society. She trained to a professional diploma level in psychology and works from an integrative, person-centred stance. That means she focuses on each person as an individual and adapts methods to suit their needs.

Her practice can draw on psychodynamic ideas and cognitive behavioural approaches where these fit the goal. She also uses creative exercises as part of the work, so sessions can include activities beyond talking when helpful. This aims to make therapy more flexible and practical.

Sessions aim to be non-judgemental and supportive, and Dr. James describes her room as a place to talk through difficult events and feelings. She has experience with neurodivergence, including high-functioning autism, and with the emotional impacts of abuse and traumatic events.

With three years of professional experience, she works with a wide range of concerns and tailors each session to the person in front of her. People who want to explore how therapy might help are encouraged to make initial contact and discuss what they need.

How therapeutic approaches work online and in sessions

Integrative person-centred work places the person at the centre of therapy. The therapist listens carefully to what matters most to the client and shapes conversations around those priorities. This approach helps when people need a flexible, empathetic way to talk about their feelings and experiences.

Psychodynamic ideas look at patterns that run beneath current problems, such as repeated relationship difficulties or long-standing responses to hurt. Talking about these patterns can help people understand why they react as they do and open up new ways of relating and coping.

Cognitive behavioural techniques focus on practical steps to alter unhelpful thoughts and behaviours. Small experiments, planning and thought-recording can reduce anxiety, improve mood and change day-to-day habits that get in the way.

Choosing the best mix of these approaches is a shared task. The therapist will work with each person to agree goals and try methods that suit their needs, adjusting the plan as therapy progresses.

If you are considering online work, confirm the exact session formats before booking since they are not listed here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments around work and family life, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also mean you do therapeutic exercises from home or another practical space. Registered or accredited professionals can offer online support, and the therapist will discuss which format fits your routine and goals.