Elizabeth Lara, LCSW - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Elizabeth Lara

Elizabeth Lara

LCSW
12 years of experience
Warm
Authentic
Open-minded
Virtual

Hello there! As a therapist with over a decade of clinical experience, I specialize in navigating past traumas, relationship issues, struggles with people pleasing & boundaries, life transitions, and provide Christian counseling upon request. My work is centered around holistic and somatic healing, integrating body centered and mindfulness practices. I would love to help you gently peel back the layers, find inner stability, and come to a place of healing and growth. I will share knowledge, wisdom, and tools that will help you rewrite your life narrative.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In our first session together, I complete an intake assessment gathering relevant information that will help me understand you better. Additionally, we dive into specific challenges you are facing.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I always say my greatest strength is the wisdom and knowledge I've learned through life experience and through my faith. I also take continuous training that will help strengthen my clinical skills as a therapist.

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

EMDR

EMDR Trained. EMDR is a structured and effective approach to processing traumatic memories while reducing the emotional charge associated with them. During sessions, I guide clients through the eight-phase process, encouraging them to explore thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations related to targeted memories while incorporating bilateral stimulation. This unique therapeutic method facilitates the brain's natural ability to reprocess information, leading to a more adaptive understanding of past experiences. The collaborative nature of EMDR allows clients to progress at their own pace, ensuring a client-centered and empathetic approach. Through EMDR therapy, I've witnessed significant positive transformations in clients, empowering them to overcome the lingering impact of trauma and fostering a path towards emotional healing and resilience.

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

I embrace Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as a dynamic and experiential approach to help clients cultivate psychological flexibility and enhance their overall well-being. ACT emphasizes acceptance of one's thoughts and emotions while encouraging individuals to commit to actions aligned with their core values. I guide clients in identifying and clarifying their values, and together, we work towards creating committed actions that align with these values. The mindfulness and acceptance techniques within ACT empower clients to navigate life's challenges more effectively, fostering a profound sense of purpose and resilience.

Christian Counseling

Upon request, I can integrate Christian Counseling principles to provide a faith-based framework for individuals seeking support. Grounded in Christian values and beliefs, this approach incorporates scripture, prayer, and spiritual guidance to address emotional and relational challenges. I collaborate with clients to explore the intersection of their faith and mental health, fostering a deeper understanding of their spiritual journey. Christian Counseling in my practice emphasizes compassion, forgiveness, and the transformative power of faith in navigating life's complexities.

Polyvagal Therapy

I use Polyvagal informed Therapy approach to address the physiological and emotional aspects of trauma and stress. Grounded in the Polyvagal Theory, this therapy explores the autonomic nervous system's role in shaping responses to environmental cues. By incorporating exercises and interventions that regulate the nervous system, I help clients build resilience, promote self-regulation, and cultivate a sense of safety, ultimately facilitating healing from the impacts of trauma and enhancing overall well-being.

Elizabeth Lara, LCSW