Lara Conley, LCSW, RYT

Lara is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been serving in the mental health field for over 11 years. Lara’s intention as a therapist is to help her clients create a partnership with themselves for self-discovery and healing. She is deeply honored when people choose to share their stories with her and she is committed to providing a nonjudgmental and compassionate environment. Her approach is collaborative and individualized.

Lara received her master’s degree from Smith College School for Social Work in 2005. Shortly after, she began working as a clinical social worker with homeless youth in Portland, OR. Over the years, she has worked with adolescents, adults, and families in a variety of settings including inpatient psychiatric units, substance abuse treatment centers, residential programs and outpatient settings. She has extensive experience helping people dealing with depression, anxiety, traumatic stress, interpersonal & family conflict, anger management, impulse control, substance abuse, grief & loss, self-esteem and perfectionism.

Lara uses various therapeutic techniques depending on individual needs and reasons for seeking help. Lara specializes in using EMDR, an evidence-based therapy for the treatment traumatic stress and disturbing life experiences. This tool can also be highly effective in treating various forms of anxiety including panic disorder, phobias, performance anxiety, depression, as well as chronic pain.

Lara’s therapeutic approach is also informed by psychodynamic psychotherapy, which focuses on exploring how unresolved issues impact our current experience. She also uses techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to bring attention to the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behavior as well as mindfulness practices to increase self-awareness and self-acceptance. In addition, Lara is a registered yoga teacher with specialized in using yoga for depression and anxiety.