- Stress and anxiety
- Relationship support
- Trauma recovery
About Lara
Lara Shemali is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in Washington with 29 years of experience. She focuses on practical tools to reduce stress, manage anxiety, and address relationship struggles. She also helps people dealing with trauma, addiction recovery, low self-esteem, and depression. Lara aims to create a welcoming space where people feel heard and respected.
In sessions she uses clear, approachable methods to help clients solve current problems. She draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Emotionally-Focused Therapy among other approaches. These methods are used to build coping skills, strengthen communication, and reduce unhelpful thought patterns.
Lara often works with people facing complicated life stressors such as chronic pain, blended family concerns, attachment difficulties, and body image issues. She also supports individuals navigating divorce, substance use concerns, dissociation, and issues linked to past abuse. Her background includes helping people with commitment and communication problems, and those managing co-occurring mental health challenges.
She acknowledges how hard it can be to start therapy and aims to make scheduling manageable. Lara maintains weekday hours and may offer evening or weekend sessions when available. She encourages prospective clients to reach out and take the first step toward feeling better.
Clients can expect a steady, nonjudgmental approach that focuses on small, usable changes. Lara works collaboratively to set goals and track progress over time.
In sessions she uses clear, approachable methods to help clients solve current problems. She draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Emotionally-Focused Therapy among other approaches. These methods are used to build coping skills, strengthen communication, and reduce unhelpful thought patterns.
Lara often works with people facing complicated life stressors such as chronic pain, blended family concerns, attachment difficulties, and body image issues. She also supports individuals navigating divorce, substance use concerns, dissociation, and issues linked to past abuse. Her background includes helping people with commitment and communication problems, and those managing co-occurring mental health challenges.
She acknowledges how hard it can be to start therapy and aims to make scheduling manageable. Lara maintains weekday hours and may offer evening or weekend sessions when available. She encourages prospective clients to reach out and take the first step toward feeling better.
Clients can expect a steady, nonjudgmental approach that focuses on small, usable changes. Lara works collaboratively to set goals and track progress over time.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCommitment issuesCommunication problemsDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSImpulsivityInfidelityJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual dysfunctionSexualitySomatizationTraumatic brain injuryWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential Therapy
Experience
29+ years
Credentials
Washington
Languages
English
How evidence-based approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and choose actions that match their values. It can be useful for anxiety, stress, and navigating chronic health challenges. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing thought and behavior patterns that fuel depression and anxiety, and it often includes practical homework between sessions. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) centers on understanding and shifting emotional responses in close relationships, helping people communicate more clearly and repair connection.Deciding which approach fits best is part of the process. The therapist will work jointly with each person to pick methods that match their goals, needs, and preferences. That partnership includes checking in and adjusting methods as progress is made.
Confirm the therapist's current online session options before booking, since formats are not listed here. Online work can make therapy easier to fit into busy lives by reducing travel time and allowing more flexible scheduling. It can also make shorter check-ins or written reflections more practical between sessions. Ask about evening or weekend times if those would help coordinate care around work or family demands.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does Lara help with?
She helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, and depression, plus related concerns like chronic pain, addiction recovery, and body image.
What is her therapeutic style like?
She uses practical, interpersonal approaches and focuses on tools you can use right away. Sessions are collaborative and aimed at making small, steady changes.
How long has she been practicing?
She has 29 years of professional experience working with a wide range of mental health and life concerns.
Where is she licensed and based?
She is licensed as an LMHC in Washington and practices with that credential.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and she also accepts international clients.
What session formats are offered?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as formats are not specified here.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.