- Guilt and shame
- Cognitive behaviour therapy
- Goal focused planning
About Larissa
Larissa Lau is an AASW social worker with ten years' experience based in Australia. She goes by Lara and supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and low self-esteem. Her practice also addresses life transitions and coping with big changes.
Lara works with guilt and shame alongside issues such as abandonment, family of origin concerns and forgiveness. She helps people who feel isolated, empty or overwhelmed by caregiver responsibilities. People often bring worries about panic, phobias, jealousy or relationship hurts to sessions.
Her approach is practical and evidence based. Lara uses techniques from cognitive behaviour therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy to help clients notice unhelpful patterns and try different responses. She also draws on ego state work and somatic experiencing when emotions are strongly stored in the body.
Sessions include straightforward planning and skills practice. Lara helps people set small, manageable goals and notices what gets in the way. She explains ideas in plain language and checks in about what is helpful from week to week.
Lara trained to a Master of Social Work level and is listed with the AASW. She offers care that focuses on strengths and clear goals. To begin, people complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session through the site.
How evidence-based approaches translate online
Larissa commonly uses cognitive behaviour therapy, which helps people spot thinking and behaviour patterns that keep guilt or anxiety active and then practise different responses. She also uses acceptance and commitment therapy to help people act in line with their values even when hard feelings are present. When intense bodily reactions appear, somatic experiencing techniques are used to slow down and notice physical sensations so they become easier to tolerate.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Lara will discuss options with each person and decide collaboratively which methods suit their goals, needs and preferences. She adjusts plans as progress is reviewed and prefers clear, practical steps that people can try between sessions.
Confirm the exact session formats before booking because the biography does not list specific options here. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Discuss timing and session length during the matching process so sessions fit with everyday commitments.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
Australia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
Which concerns does she support?
She supports stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and low self-esteem, with additional focus on guilt and shame, family of origin issues, abandonment and caregiver stress.
How does she approach feelings of guilt or shame?
She uses practical, evidence-based techniques to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and bodily responses, and to try small changes that reduce overwhelm.
What experience does she bring?
She has ten years' experience working as a social worker and holds a Master of Social Work.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is an AASW social worker based in Australia.
Does she offer sessions in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions arranged and what about cost?
Costs vary with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time; exact fees are provided when booking.
How do I start a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session through the site.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.