About Lara
Personal Details and Interests
I am a registered psychologist that works with individuals of all ages to really get to the heart of what it is they want and need to live a full life.
I bring a compassionate and non-judgemental approach to therapy, creating a supportive space for people to gain a deeper and more authentic understanding of themselves and their relationships with others. Through careful listening and empathic attunement, I help my clients to bring awareness and understanding to the patterns that are keeping them stuck. From a place of awareness and self-acceptance, I support clients to draw on their inner resources and to develop new skills and ways of being that facilitate positive change and growth.
Whilst the skills and techniques I use when working with little people are different to the ones I use with teens and adults, they are all drawn from scientifically validated psychotherapies including cognitive behavioural therapy, compassion-focused therapy, mindfulness, attachment-based approaches and internal family systems therapy.
Experience (Areas of Expertise)
I have worked with young children (ages 3-12) in home, kindergarten and school settings for many years, both in the childcare/disability sector and in delivering one-on-one therapy to enhance outcomes for children with behavioural, social and emotional difficulties.
I have also worked with adolescents and young people (12-25 years) and in a community mental health setting with adults of all ages and a wide variety of mental health concerns.
Specifically, I have training and interest in the following areas:
Children and adolescents:
- Anxiety and panic
- Depression
- Emotional regulation difficulties
- Social/friendship issues
- Building resilience
Adults:
- Anxiety (generalised, social and panic)
- Depression
- Emotional regulation difficulties
- Relationship issues
- Low self-esteem and body image
- Life transitions
- Grief and loss
AFFILIATIONS
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) – Monash University
Post Graduate Diploma of Psychology – Monash University
Master of Psychology (Clinical) – Institute for Social Neuroscience (ISN Psychology)