- ACT and CBT approaches
- Mindfulness-based work
- Support for grief
About Lara
Lara Ashbaugh is an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) based in Missouri who focuses on practical, skills-based therapy. She blends cognitive-behavioral work with acceptance-oriented and mindfulness strategies to help people manage stress, anxiety, grief, and major life changes. Lara uses a warm, interactive style and aims to meet people where they are.
With ten years of experience, she draws on several approaches to help clients build coping skills and improve relationships. Sessions may include learning emotion-regulation tools, practicing acceptance-based exercises, and changing unhelpful thought patterns. Lara also incorporates strengths-based ideas to identify what is already working and expand on it.
Her background includes work with people facing depression, trauma, addiction concerns, ADHD, and compassion fatigue. She has supported those dealing with fertility and adoption questions, caregiver stress, aging and geriatric issues, and end-of-life or hospice related concerns. Lara describes her manner as respectful and nonjudgmental.
Clients can expect conversations that are tailored to their goals. Lara emphasizes collaboration when setting a course of care and adapts techniques to each person’s needs. She aims to build practical tools rather than rely on labels.
People who choose to work with her often look for down-to-earth strategies for coping, clearer communication, and better emotional balance. Lara encourages small, steady steps toward change and offers support through the process.
With ten years of experience, she draws on several approaches to help clients build coping skills and improve relationships. Sessions may include learning emotion-regulation tools, practicing acceptance-based exercises, and changing unhelpful thought patterns. Lara also incorporates strengths-based ideas to identify what is already working and expand on it.
Her background includes work with people facing depression, trauma, addiction concerns, ADHD, and compassion fatigue. She has supported those dealing with fertility and adoption questions, caregiver stress, aging and geriatric issues, and end-of-life or hospice related concerns. Lara describes her manner as respectful and nonjudgmental.
Clients can expect conversations that are tailored to their goals. Lara emphasizes collaboration when setting a course of care and adapts techniques to each person’s needs. She aims to build practical tools rather than rely on labels.
People who choose to work with her often look for down-to-earth strategies for coping, clearer communication, and better emotional balance. Lara encourages small, steady steps toward change and offers support through the process.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
Adoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDissociationDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily problemsFertility issuesGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHearing impairedHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMoney and financial issuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy
Experience
10+ years
Credentials
Missouri
Languages
English
How therapy approaches shape online care
Lara uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as core tools. ACT helps people clarify personal values and take meaningful action even when difficult thoughts and feelings appear. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and practicing new behaviors to reduce anxiety and depression.Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Lara will work with each person to decide which strategies fit their goals and life. The plan can change as needs and priorities shift, and she adapts methods to the individual's pace and preferences.
If you are considering online sessions, confirm the therapist's current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It also supports continuity of care when life events make in-person visits difficult. Licensed professionals often use flexible scheduling to help therapy slot into everyday routines.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Lara help with?
She addresses stress, anxiety, grief, depression, ADHD, addiction, trauma and many life transitions such as caregiving and end-of-life issues.
What is Lara's general therapy style?
Lara uses a warm, interactive style that focuses on practical skills and collaboration rather than labels.
What is her professional background?
She has ten years of experience working as a therapist, supervisor, and teacher, supporting people with a wide range of concerns.
What credentials and location are listed for Lara?
She is an LPC, a Licensed Professional Counselor, practicing in Missouri.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with Lara?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How does cost and billing work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin therapy with her?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.