Credentials and Training
Licensed Clinical Psychologist (New York, Florida)
Postdoctoral Training Program in Health Service Psychology, Focus- Diversity and Cultural Experiences, Stony Brook University (Stony Brook, NY)
Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, Chestnut Hill College (Philadelphia, PA), Dissertation- Exploring the Relationship between Mindfulness and Psychodynamic Theory: Defensive Functioning and Reflective Functioning
M.S. in Clinical and Counseling Psychology, Chestnut Hill College (Philadelphia, PA)
Clinical Settings: private practice, university/college counseling, community mental health, inpatient/IOP/outpatient substance use programs, residential and school treatment facilities
Clinical Experiences: psychotherapy- individuals/groups/couples/families, interdisciplinary consultation, crisis intervention, psychological/psychoeducational assessments, supervisor- individual and group therapy for graduate psychology students and medical providers, research- pregnancy loss/the relationship between psychodynamic theory and mindfulness, adjunct faculty- six years of undergraduate and graduate psychology courses
Dr. Lara’s View of the Therapeutic Relationship and Process
I view the therapeutic relationship as collaborative and believe that you are the expert of your own life. We can work to establish a non-judgmental relationship of trust and safety. I will use myself to hear, see, feel, and bear witness to your experiences. Together, we can make connections to deepen your understanding of yourself and how you relate to the world.
Psychotherapy is a space for people to talk about the good and bad experiences and everything in-between. Our symptoms are only a small aspect of ourselves, as our experiences are much more complex. We will work to reduce emotional distress and find new ways forward. Together, we can truly understand you by examining how the past influences the present. We can do by this by looking at your emotions, thoughts, recurring patterns, and your relationship to yourself and others. My role is to help you to engage in a process to explore all aspects of you with you.
The therapeutic relationship and process can allow you to live in more meaningful and authentic ways. I have extensive advanced training that allows me to engage with every client in an individualized and unique evidence-based treatment. This type of therapy allows for long-lasting change and improvement even after the treatment ends.