“If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or not quite yourself, therapy can help you make sense of what’s going on and start to feel more in control again.”
Hello, and welcome. My name is Dr Lara Akers-Douglas, and I am a HPCP registered Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years experience practicing in private and public health care settings in the UK and overseas.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or not quite like yourself, you’re not alone.
You might be struggling with anxiety, difficult memories, low mood, or a sense that things haven’t felt right for a while. Sometimes it’s clear what’s caused this. Other times, it’s harder to make sense of. Therapy offers a space to slow things down, understand what’s going on, and begin to feel more in control again.
I offer specialist psychological therapy in Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, and Southampton, as well as online, with a particular focus on trauma and its impact.
How I can help
I work with a range of difficulties, including:
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Trauma and PTSD
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Anxiety and constant overthinking
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Depression and low mood
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Stress and burnout
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Difficult past experiences that still affect you now
You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting. We can begin with where you are.
Trauma therapy and EMDR
Experiences from the past can continue to affect how you feel, think, and respond in the present.
I offer trauma-focused therapy, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), to help process distressing memories and reduce their impact. This work is always done at your pace, in a way that feels manageable and safe.
What it’s like to work with me
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you’ve been managing things on your own.
I offer a calm, supportive, and confidential space where you can talk openly without judgement. As a Clinical Psychologist, I draw on evidence-based approaches, but therapy is always tailored to you—your experiences, your pace, and what you want to get from it.
Taking the next step
Reaching out can feel difficult, but it’s often the first step towards things starting to feel different. If you’d like to arrange an initial consultation or ask any questions, you’re very welcome to get in touch.
"I feel I owe a great deal to Lara who helped me greatly. She is always calm, patient, friendly, and caring. She gave me invaluable tools and resources that were key to my recovery. I know I can return if ever I need her help and guidance again. Thank you ."
