Lara Shemali, LMHC
Washington LMHC specializing in stress and relationships
- 29 years experience
- Flexible scheduling options
- Works with international clients
About Lara Shemali
Lara Shemali is a Washington-licensed mental health counselor (LMHC, Licensed Mental Health Counselor) with 29 years of professional experience. She provides practical stress reduction tools and supports individuals facing anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma and abuse, and a range of addictions while guiding paths toward recovery and renewed motivation. Her work also includes building self-esteem and confidence and addressing depression and other life stressors.
She strives to create an open, nonjudgmental environment where individuals can share thoughts and feelings in confidence and receive thoughtful, collaborative care. Lara recognizes that beginning therapy takes courage and affirms the importance of that first step. She maintains set weekday hours and is amenable to evening and weekend sessions when availability allows to help accommodate busy work and life schedules.
She works with each person to coordinate care that fits their responsibilities and unique circumstances. Lara is honored to be invited into others' healing processes and looks forward to getting to know those who reach out for support.
She strives to create an open, nonjudgmental environment where individuals can share thoughts and feelings in confidence and receive thoughtful, collaborative care. Lara recognizes that beginning therapy takes courage and affirms the importance of that first step. She maintains set weekday hours and is amenable to evening and weekend sessions when availability allows to help accommodate busy work and life schedules.
She works with each person to coordinate care that fits their responsibilities and unique circumstances. Lara is honored to be invited into others' healing processes and looks forward to getting to know those who reach out for support.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCommitment issuesCommunication problemsDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSImpulsivityInfidelityJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual dysfunctionSexualitySomatizationTraumatic brain injuryWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Existential Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Lara Shemali have?
She has 29 years of experience.
Is Lara Shemali a licensed therapist?
Yes, she holds the credential LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor). License details: WA LMHC LH60083808.
In which languages does Lara Shemali provide therapy?
She provides therapy in English.
Where is Lara Shemali located?
She is located in Washington.
How can I work with Lara Shemali as my therapist?
Clients can work with Lara Shemali through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Lara Shemali work with international clients?
Yes, Lara Shemali works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Lara Shemali cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as 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, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. To begin, click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match clients with their therapist. Depending on availability, clients can then schedule a first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Lara Shemali
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters most to them and commit to small, practical steps that support meaningful action. It can be useful for managing anxiety, stress, and motivation by focusing on values and flexible responses rather than fighting difficult thoughts. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns through structured techniques and skills practice, often supporting progress with anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes an empathetic, nonjudgmental relationship in which the therapist offers understanding and acceptance to help individuals explore feelings and build self-direction.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Lara Shemali works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. She adapts techniques over time as goals evolve and progress is made.
Online therapy offers practical flexibility - appointments can take place by video call, phone session, live chat, or text-based messaging - making it easier to fit care into busy schedules and to access licensed professionals from different locations. These options support continuity of care and make regular work on emotional and relational goals more manageable.