Meet Lara, BEd,
Counselling Intern
Areas of Specialty:
• Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Addictions Counselling
• Attachment-Based Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
• Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Family Systems Therapy
• Gottman Method (Couples Therapy)
• Grief & Loss Therapy
• LGBTQ2S+ Affirming Therapy
• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
• Play Therapy
• Psychological Assessments
• Solution-Focused Therapy
• Somatic Experiencing (SE)
• Trauma-Informed Practice
Favourite Quote:
One quote I resonate with is by Robert Allen, “Everything you want is just outside of your comfort zone.”
I recognize the therapeutic process may feel (and be) challenging at times, but through these tough moments we gain new skills and insights.
Hello! My name is Lara and I am in my final year of my Counselling Psychology program through Yorkville University. I am currently a counselling intern working under the supervision of a Registered Psychologist, and I look forward to working with you. I intend to specialize in trauma therapy after graduation, and I have a strong interest in working with children, adolescents, individuals, couples, families, and eventually group therapy.
I emphasize the importance of client autonomy and will listen to and consider your therapeutic goals, needs, and concerns. I aim to be flexible in my approach, taking into account your thoughts and perspectives, and working collaboratively with you to identify the best course of action to support your success in your counselling journey. I strive to create a space that feels supportive, respectful, and non-judgmental, where you feel comfortable showing up as you are.
In addition to my counselling work, I have a background in education and have been teaching for nearly four years. I have experience teaching primary through high school grades, French as a Second Language (FSL), French Immersion, and Literacy Intervention, where I provided ongoing reading support to students in Grades 1-4. Because of this experience, I enjoy working with both young children and adolescents and feel confident supporting them in a therapeutic setting. I am currently substitute teaching while completing my internship, which allows me the flexibility to meet my required hours and remain present in both roles.
My approach to counselling is trauma-informed, and I recognize that everyone has different life experiences. For those who have experienced trauma, I believe it is essential to provide support in a compassionate, safe, and non-judgmental way. Through my training, I continue to develop skills in being present with clients, building rapport, and establishing trust, which I believe are foundational to meaningful therapeutic work. I also draw from approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to support clients in understanding their thoughts and emotions, and in developing positive coping strategies. I am always open to questions or feedback and am happy to adjust my approach to best meet your needs.
Outside of my work and studies, I enjoy going to the gym, travelling, spending time with family and friends, and exploring the city, especially in the summertime!