- CBT
- ACT
- DBT skills
About Lara
Lara Ashbaugh is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Missouri with 10 years of clinical experience. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, depression, and life changes, and lists concerns such as addiction, trauma and abuse, ADHD, and LGBT issues among her focus areas.
Her work blends evidence-based approaches in a straightforward way. She draws from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to look at thoughts and behaviors, and from acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to help people notice what matters to them. She also uses dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills for emotion regulation and coping when feelings feel overwhelming.
Sessions aim to be collaborative and practical. Lara listens to what is causing trouble, identifies patterns that keep problems going, and practices small skills during sessions. She looks for what is already working in a person's life and builds on those strengths.
Her background includes roles as a therapist, supervisor, and teacher. That variety informs how she explains skills and sets up practice between sessions so changes can carry into daily life. Lara notes experience supporting people with parenting concerns, career stress, and relationship communication issues.
People who prefer clear steps and concrete tools may find her approach useful. She encourages straightforward conversation about goals and adjusts methods as needs change. Sessions are conducted in English and she does not work with international clients.
How her approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping people notice their values and take small, value-driven steps even when anxiety is present. It uses mindfulness and action planning to reduce avoidance and move toward meaningful activity.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It breaks problems into manageable parts, practices skills in sessions, and uses exercises between sessions to change unhelpful patterns.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills teach concrete tools for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills are useful when emotions feel intense and when communication or boundaries are difficult.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Lara will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences, and she adjusts methods as needs change. The plan is shaped by what the person wants to accomplish and what feels workable in day-to-day life.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current online options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, allow shorter check-in meetings when needed, and let people practice skills in the settings where difficulties occur. Licensed professionals can use these formats to keep therapy practical and applied to real situations.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
Missouri
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she work with?
She works with stress, anxiety, grief, self-esteem, depression, addiction, trauma and related issues listed in her profile.
What is her general therapy style?
She combines cognitive behavioral techniques with acceptance and commitment approaches and uses DBT skills for emotion regulation in a practical, interactive way.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 10 years of experience working as a therapist, supervisor, and teacher.
Where is she licensed and practicing?
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed in Missouri.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with international clients?
She does not accept international clients.
How does pricing work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.