Initial Consultation

Dr. Lara offers a free initial 15-minute video consultation to all prospective clients. During this call, you will be able to briefly discuss what you are looking for and what is going on for you, address questions, and determine next steps based on how this practice can best assist you.

  • adjustment and life transitions

  • attachment and relationships

  • anxiety and stress

  • chronic illness and somatic symptoms

  • depression and grief

Therapy

Dr. Lara is a generalist due to her training and experience working in a wide range of settings with unique individuals sharing many presentations of symptoms and experiences. She also has a few niche areas that are described below. She most commonly works with the presenting concerns of, but not limited to:

  • intersectional identities

  • perinatal period

  • substance use

  • trauma

  • university student experiences

  • This includes individuals and couples who are trying to conceive (including infertility and medical support), pregnancy loss, pregnancy, and postpartum. Specifically, Dr. Lara helps individuals navigate the rollercoaster through these time periods, including the journey of parenthood and commonly connected emotional complexities.

  • This includes individuals presenting with desires to work on family of origin issues, parenting, peer relationships, and both romantic and sexual experiences. Dr. Lara pulls from her doctoral training in couples and family treatment to work with individuals through this lens and has completed Level 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. Dr. Lara practices relational psychotherapy and this framework creates an optimal space to explore these areas with all clients.

  • Dr. Lara has focused the last 10 years of therapy specifically on working with marginalized populations. Her doctoral and postdoctoral training included focus and competency in working with individuals from diverse backgrounds in addition to social justice. Dr. Lara often works with international students and more broadly tends to see clients who identify as being part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Niche Areas

Dr. Lara has also developed a few niche areas, seeking out specialized training in the perinatal period, relationships, and intersectional identities. Dr. Lara works primarily with individuals and couples within these areas, although not limited to these areas, and this work is often with university students and young adults. Right before creating her own private practice, Dr. Lara practiced psychotherapy in multiple university counseling centers and she continues to be passionate about supporting students. Dr. Lara is currently a referral source for various counseling centers in New York and Florida. She completed Level 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, a research-based approach used for strengthening relationships.