- DBT skills
- ACT strategies
- CBT techniques
About Lara
Lara Ashbaugh is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Missouri with 10 years of clinical experience. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, grief, depression, anger, and related concerns. Lara also supports people dealing with addiction, ADHD, parenting strain, career issues, and trauma and abuse.
She draws on several practical therapy methods. Lara uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and try different behaviors. She also uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills to teach emotional regulation and better ways to respond when anger or frustration arise.
Sessions are conversational and goal-focused. Lara listens for what is already working and suggests small, concrete strategies to try between meetings. People learn breathing and mindfulness tools, ways to spot thinking patterns, and simple behavior changes that reduce reactivity over time.
Lara has experience supervising and teaching in addition to clinical work. That background informs a clear, instructional style when teaching new skills. She can break down strategies into step-by-step practice so they fit into a busy life.
Practical problems such as communication struggles, control issues, parenting conflicts, and workplace frustration are common topics. Lara helps people identify the triggers behind anger, build coping skills, and practice different responses so relationships and daily life feel easier to manage.
How her approaches translate to online sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and decide what matters most to them. Online ACT sessions often focus on values-based goals and simple exercises to try between meetings. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets the thinking and behavior patterns that keep stress and anger going, using short skill practice and homework to test new ways of responding. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills teach concrete tools for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication, useful when anger feels overwhelming.Choosing the right approach is a team effort. Lara will work with each person to identify which methods fit their goals and daily life. She typically blends techniques rather than sticking to a single label, and she checks in to adjust the plan as progress is made.
Confirm the available session formats before booking, as they are not specified here. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. It also makes practicing skills in real life more practical between meetings. Licensed professionals can offer structured skill teaching, guided exercises, and follow-up suggestions that transfer to everyday situations.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
Missouri
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
Which concerns does she address related to anger?
She works with stress, anxiety, anger, trauma, grief, depression, addictions, ADHD, and related issues such as communication and control problems.
What is her style of therapy like?
Her approach is interactive and skill focused, combining ACT, CBT, DBT skills, and mindfulness to teach concrete ways to manage feelings and reactions.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 10 years of experience as a practicing counselor, with additional background in supervision and teaching.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed in Missouri and works with adults in that state.
In what languages are sessions offered?
Sessions are offered in English only.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
What about session formats and how they run?
Specific session formats are not listed here; please confirm current session options before booking so you know whether they fit your schedule and needs.
How are fees handled and how do I get started?
Fees vary with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.