I am professional counselor licensed in Missouri with over 12 years of experience working as therapist, supervisor, and teacher. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. One of my specialties is DBT - Dialectical Behavior Therapy to help clients with their emotions, coping skills and relationships.
My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral and acceptance and commitment therapy. I also pull a lot from positive psychology, I want to know what is going right that we can build on. I believe everyone has unique strengths and something special to contribute. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.
It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you.
I look forward to working with you!
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, LGBT, Trauma and abuse, Parenting issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Adoption and foster care, Aging and geriatric issues, BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture, Body image, Caregiver issues and stress, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Dissociation, Divorce and separation, Emptiness, Family problems, Fertility issues, Gender dysphoria, Guilt and shame, Hearing impaired, HIV / AIDS, Hoarding, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Money and financial issues, Mood disorders, Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Paranoia, Personality disorders, Phobias, Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy and childbirth, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-harm, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Workplace issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy
MO LPC 2007035135
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Lara Ashbaugh. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Lara is kind, patient, and is very helpful to goal setting and working through anxiety.
Written on Sep 20, 2022 after therapy with Lara for 1 year and 8 months
I’ve been seeing Lara for a little over 6 months. I look forward to the days when I have a session with her because of how much she has helped me overcome anxiety and OCD. Cannot recommend her enough!
Written on Nov 08, 2021 after therapy with Lara for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
I love Lara, she's really helped me in so many ways
Written on Oct 28, 2021 after therapy with Lara for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Absolutely love Lara! She listens and understands me. She fit me in when I was at my lowest and needed her. I cannot express how grateful I am for her!!
Written on Sep 10, 2021 after therapy with Lara for 10 months on issues concerning coping with life changes
Lara is like a best friend, but with the best advice! She knows me better than I know myself and helps me grow!
Written on Aug 12, 2021 after therapy with Lara for 10 months on issues concerning depression, and stress, anxiety
After trying out multiple therapists, betterhelp paired me with not only a quality professional but one who aligns with my personality and values.
Written on Aug 01, 2021 after therapy with Lara for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life