- ACT and CBT methods
- Emotionally-Focused work
- Addiction recovery support
About Lara
Lara Shemali is a Washington LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) with 29 years of clinical experience. She helps people manage stress, anxiety, relationship problems, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, and depression. Lara also works with a range of related concerns including addiction recovery, attachment and abandonment issues, body image, chronic illness and pain, and communication or commitment struggles.
Her approach blends practical, evidence-informed methods. She uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Client-Centered Therapy, and existential ideas to help people clarify values and take manageable steps. Sessions focus on small, doable changes rather than sweeping promises of transformation.
Lara emphasizes straightforward conversations and concrete tools. People can expect stress-reduction techniques, ways to challenge unhelpful thinking, and communication strategies for strained relationships. For trauma and addiction concerns she offers steady, paced work that respects each person’s limits.
She recognizes that schedules are busy and discusses timing and coordination openly. Lara notes weekday hours and is sometimes amenable to evening or weekend sessions when possible. Financial arrangements vary by location and use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
To begin, prospective clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session through the online options button. Lara accepts international clients and conducts sessions in English.
Therapeutic approaches and how they work online
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters to them and take small, values-based steps. It often focuses on noticing thoughts without getting pulled into them and developing flexible behavior aligned with personal values. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at thought patterns and behaviors to reduce anxiety and depression. CBT sessions usually involve setting concrete goals, practicing new skills, and reviewing progress each week. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) concentrates on patterns in close relationships and helps people identify and name emotions to improve connection and communication.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Lara will talk with the client about goals, symptoms, and preferences and recommend which methods to try first. The choice is collaborative and may shift over time as needs change.
The biography does not specify session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make scheduling easier and help fit therapy into a busy life by removing travel time and allowing for shorter check-in meetings when needed. They also allow for evening or weekend scheduling when those times are offered. Licensed professionals can adapt ACT, CBT, and EFT techniques to remote sessions using exercises, worksheets, and in-session practice so progress continues even when meeting virtually.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
29+ years
Listed in
Washington
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, relationship problems, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, and depression. Additional areas include addiction recovery, attachment and abandonment issues, body image, chronic illness and pain, and communication problems.
How does she approach feeling stuck or directionless?
She combines ACT, CBT, EFT, Client-Centered, and existential ideas to focus on values and small steps. Sessions aim to build practical skills like stress reduction and clearer communication.
How much experience does she have?
She has 29 years of professional work experience supporting people with anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, depression, and addiction recovery.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is an LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) licensed in Washington and practices from that state.
Can I work with her if I live outside the United States?
She accepts international clients. Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats does she offer?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Confirm current session options before booking to know which formats are offered.
How are sessions priced?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to get started?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.