Heather Lara

Life can feel overwhelming—especially for children learning to manage big emotions or for individuals coping with the daily challenges of a chronic illness. If your child is struggling with anxiety, behavioral concerns, or school‐related stress, or if you’re navigating the uncertainty that often comes with chronic illness, you don’t have to face it alone. My goal is to help each person feel understood, build on their strengths, and develop the skills they need to thrive. I use cognitive behavioral therapy, strength‐based practices, and play therapy to support emotional well‐being in a safe, supportive environment.

I am a Licensed Master Social Worker with over 10 years of experience supporting children, teens, and families in the school setting. My background includes specialized programs for students with emotional impairments, autism spectrum disorder, and cognitive needs.

I provide therapy for children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety, emotional regulation challenges, behavioral concerns, school stress, life transitions, depression, executive functioning difficulties, and social or developmental delays. I also support individuals and families navigating the emotional and practical challenges of chronic illness.

I use a compassionate, collaborative approach focused on helping clients feel safe, understood, and empowered. Building a strong therapeutic relationship is a priority for me, and I strive to meet each client exactly where they are.

In my work with children and teens, I use developmentally appropriate, evidence‐based strategies such as cognitive‐behavioral techniques, social‐emotional skill building, and play‐based interventions. With adults and families, I offer practical tools and guidance to support progress beyond our sessions.

You’re welcome to explore my website to learn more about my approach and the services I offer: www.bhcounselingcenter.com

During session, you can expect a warm, relaxed conversation where we simply begin getting to know each other. We will talk about what is bringing you (or your child) to therapy, any concerns you have, and the story behind them. I will also walk you through what therapy can look like and make sure all of your questions are answered.

With children and teens, I gently move at their pace so they can feel safe and comfortable—sometimes that means starting with light conversation or activities before going deeper. With adults, we will talk about your strengths, your hopes, and how we can partner together to support growth both in and outside of sessions.

The first session is really about connection and understanding. My hope is that you leave feeling heard, supported, and reassured that you don’t have to navigate this alone.

If you’re considering therapy for yourself or your child, I know reaching out can feel like a big step. We can start with a conversation and see if working together feels like the right fit.