Dr Lara, Clinical Psychologist

19/05/2026

Stress doesn't always feel hectic. Sometimes it feels detached, numb, isolating. Learn more at my new blog post:

You’re functioning. You’re getting through the day.You’re answering emails, making dinner, showing up for work, sorting the children, replying to messages.But internally, something feels just… flat.Are there times you feel disconnected, detached, emotionally muted? As though you’re going t...

06/05/2026

Do you ever feel overwhelmed all the time… even when nothing is obviously wrong?
* You can’t switch off
* You feel on edge
* Small things feel like too much
And you don’t fully understand why.
There *is* a reason for this — and it’s not just “stress” or “poor coping.”

I’ve explored it more here: https://www.hopepsychology.net/post/why-do-i-feel-overwhelmed-all-the-time

On the outside, it looks like you're coping. You get through your day, your functioning, you do what needs to be done, and nothing seems obviously wrong. But inside, it feels like too much. Small things feel harder than they ought to. Decisions get agonised over. Your mind is constantly busy, your b...

01/07/2025

Self-compassion is a proven link to a more resilient, calm, and fulfilling life. But like Julie, in todays story, it can be hard to master.

Julie woke up late. "Typical!" she thought. "I'm always in a hurry. Now getting ready will be so stressful." As she hurried to get dressed, she dropped her makeup case on the floor. "Typical! I'm so clumsy and useless!" she exclaimed. She dashed into the kitchen to grab a quick coffee before leaving...

28/01/2025

How does past trauma contribute to difficulties with eating patterns, including binge eating disorder? My latest blog explores this through Emma, who's past has resulted in food as a coping mechanism.

Welcome to my blog series, where I will discuss therapy from a client's viewpoint. It's important to mention that, while my insights are drawn from extensive experience with clients from various backgrounds, all individuals, names, personas, businesses, locations, occurrences, and events depicted ar...

25/12/2024

Wishing you all a very lovely Christmas. May your day, however it looks for you, be filled with peace and contentment.

15/11/2024

This weeks article focuses on Brad, and explores self-care strategies for trauma. Jump on in and have a read!

Welcome to my blog series, where I will discuss therapy from a client's viewpoint. It's important to mention that, while my insights are drawn from extensive experience with clients from various backgrounds, all individuals, names, personas, businesses, locations, occurrences, and events depicted ar...

05/11/2024

Did you know that therapy, including EMDR, can be done online effectively, conveniently, and confidentially? Learn more in my new blog post which focuses on Sumaiya, who accessed online therapy to manage flashbacks following an accident.
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Welcome to my blog series, where I will discuss therapy from a client's viewpoint. It's important to mention that, while my insights are drawn from extensive experience with clients from various backgrounds, all individuals, names, personas, businesses, locations, occurrences, and events depicted ar...

12/10/2024

Next in my blog series, Marissa's story helps us understand how body can hold stress through somatic responses to trauma, and how therapy can impact not just on emotional pain, but physical too.

Welcome to my blog series, where I will discuss therapy from a client's viewpoint. It's important to mention that, while my insights are drawn from extensive experience with clients from various backgrounds, all individuals, names, personas, businesses, locations, occurrences, and events depicted ar...

08/10/2024

Next up in my blog series, we look at how therapy can help with symptoms of trauma and PTSD. Daryl has worked in emergency services for his whole career, but life suddenly seems overwhelming. Head on over to learn more!

Welcome to my blog series, where I will discuss therapy from a client's viewpoint. It's important to mention that, while my insights are drawn from extensive experience with clients from various backgrounds, all individuals, names, personas, businesses, locations, occurrences, and events depicted ar...

25/09/2024

Here is the latest in my blog series. Alanna is struggling with a new co-worker. Could there be signs of unresolved trauma?

Welcome to my blog series, in which I will be writing about therapy from the perspective of a client. Please note that, although inspired and informed by my many years of working with clients from all walks of life, all the clients, names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are en...