Lara Ashbaugh, LPC
Missouri LPC focused on practical emotional skills
- DBT skill-building
- Strengths focused
- Anxiety and mood
About Lara Ashbaugh
Lara Ashbaugh is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Missouri with ten years of clinical experience supporting people through a wide range of life challenges. She works with individuals facing depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, parenting struggles, career transitions, OCD, ADHD, and the effects of physical trauma or emotional abuse. Lara emphasizes practical skills for managing emotions and building healthier relationships, drawing on therapies that help clients develop coping strategies and clearer perspectives.
Her practice highlights Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to strengthen emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance. She also integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients notice unhelpful thinking patterns, clarify values, and take workable steps toward meaningful change. Lara values a warm, interactive counseling style that treats people with respect, sensitivity, and compassion and avoids stigmatizing labels.
Influenced by positive psychology, she looks for existing strengths and resources to build on during treatment. Lara tailors conversations and treatment plans to each person’s unique needs and goals, offering supportive guidance aimed at helping people move toward a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Her practice highlights Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to strengthen emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance. She also integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients notice unhelpful thinking patterns, clarify values, and take workable steps toward meaningful change. Lara values a warm, interactive counseling style that treats people with respect, sensitivity, and compassion and avoids stigmatizing labels.
Influenced by positive psychology, she looks for existing strengths and resources to build on during treatment. Lara tailors conversations and treatment plans to each person’s unique needs and goals, offering supportive guidance aimed at helping people move toward a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Areas of Expertise
Also Specializes In
AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
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 / lonelinessLife 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 Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Lara Ashbaugh have?
Lara Ashbaugh has 10 years of professional experience as a therapist.
Is Lara Ashbaugh a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the LPC credential. License details: MO LPC 2007035135.
In which languages does Lara Ashbaugh provide therapy?
She provides therapy in English.
Where is Lara Ashbaugh located?
She is located in Missouri.
How can I work with Lara Ashbaugh as my therapist?
You can work with Lara Ashbaugh through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Lara Ashbaugh work with international clients?
Lara Ashbaugh does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Lara Ashbaugh cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Approach-Focused Online Therapy with Practical Skills
Lara uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to teach concrete skills for managing intense emotions, improving relationships, and tolerating distress. DBT can help people who struggle with emotional reactivity or relationship conflicts by offering step-by-step techniques for calmer responding and clearer communication.
She also incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps identify and reshape unhelpful thinking patterns that contribute to anxiety, depression, and low motivation. CBT emphasizes skill-building and actionable strategies to change behaviors and improve mood.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is another tool Lara draws on to help clients clarify personal values and take meaningful action even when difficult thoughts or feelings are present. ACT supports greater psychological flexibility and goal-directed living.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Lara works with each person to explore which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences and adapts the plan as progress unfolds.
Online therapy sessions via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging offer flexibility for scheduling and the ability to access therapy from familiar settings. These options make it easier to integrate support into busy lives while maintaining continuity of care with licensed professionals and therapists focused on practical outcomes.