Lara Ashbaugh, LPC - Therapist in Missouri

Warm interactive style
Skills-focused work
Values-based change

About Lara

Lara Ashbaugh is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Missouri who uses practical, skills-focused therapy to help people handle stress and strong emotions. She blends active problem-solving with acceptance-based tools so clients can move forward from painful patterns. Her style is warm and interactive, and she aims to treat people with respect and compassion.

Lara draws on cognitive-behavioral ideas to identify unhelpful thoughts and change behaviors that keep problems going. She also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people clarify values and take meaningful action even when feelings are hard. Dialectical Behavior Therapy appears in her work to teach emotion regulation and coping strategies.

She has a decade of experience as a therapist, supervisor, and teacher. That background means she often combines direct skill coaching with conversational, client-centered listening. She looks for strengths and things already going well to build on them in therapy.

Lara has helped people facing depression, anxiety, grief, and burnout. Her practice also addresses concerns such as ADHD, addictions, relationship and communication problems, and adoption and foster care related issues. She avoids stigmatizing labels and focuses on practical steps clients can use day to day.

If someone is ready to make changes, Lara offers supportive guidance and a tailored plan. She works collaboratively to shape each session around the person’s goals and needs, helping them practice new skills between meetings.

How therapy approaches translate to online sessions

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying what matters to you and taking small actions toward those values even when feelings are difficult. It often helps with anxiety, depression, and life transitions where motivation or direction is needed. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, teaching practical techniques to reduce symptoms like anxiety and low mood through targeted practice. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers concrete skills for managing intense emotions and improving relationships, including distress tolerance and emotional regulation techniques.

Finding the right approach is part of the process, and the therapist will work collaboratively to pick methods that match a client's needs, goals, and preferences. Sessions usually mix listening, skill teaching, and between-session practice so the plan can be adjusted as progress is made.

Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current online options before booking. In general, online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when schedules require, and remove travel time. Many people find it simpler to try new skills from their own routines and to schedule appointments around work or caregiving commitments.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Grief Self esteem Depression Coping with life changes

Also works with

AddictionsLGBT Trauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoachingCompassion fatigue ADHD

Additional focus areas

Adoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDissociationDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily problemsFertility issuesGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHearing impairedHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityIsolation / loneliness Life purposeMoney and financial issuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

10+ years

Credentials

Missouri

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Lara address?

She works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, self-esteem, coping with life changes, addictions, trauma and abuse, and many related issues including ADHD and compassion fatigue.

What is her general therapy style?

Her style is warm and interactive, combining direct skills teaching with conversational, client-centered listening.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has about 10 years of experience working as a therapist, supervisor, and teacher.

What credentials and location are listed?

She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, licensed in Missouri.

Which languages are supported and can she see international clients?

Sessions are offered in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.

What session formats are available?

Confirm current session options before booking to learn which formats are offered for appointments.

How is cost handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin if I want to work with her?

Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

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