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My name is Lara Dirks, and I have been working with children, families, and adults for over 16 years. I have a very friendly down-to-earth style, and I love to bring science to our sessions. I have experience helping people in crisis, those suffering from mood disorders, adults and children with ADHD, parenting support, relationship issues, work issues, and those struggling with communication skills.
My approach
My therapeutic approach is grounded in the idea that the client is the expert in their own life, and I partner with them by providing empathy, therapeutic interventions and skills, homework, use of coping skills, and self-exploration and understanding to meet their therapeutic goals. I always try to be genuine and provide unconditional positive regard and empathetic understanding.
My focus
I love working with a variety of clients from all walks of life, including those as young as 8 years old all the way through the human life span. I also enjoy working with individuals struggling with autoimmune disorders or long Covid, as well as anyone struggling with ADHD (whether young children or adults) and anyone struggling with anxiety and depression.
My communication style
I have a gentle and kind disposition that I match with a conversational talking style that makes sharing and introspection easier. I am also clear and direct with my thoughts and use of interventions during sessions. I love to listen, and I believe that everyone can create a life that they enjoy with the skills that they need to weather the storms of life.
My journey to mental healthcare
My journey to becoming a therapist started while I was working as an Emergency Medical Technician on a 911 ambulance. Helping those with mental health emergencies got me on this path. In particular, I had a patient who had decided to die by suicide himself on the first anniversary of his son's death by suicide. We picked him up, and he and I discussed what resources and help there were available and that he could get better with help. He reported that he had no idea there was so much help available and that he decided that he was going to use all the services he could get. Shortly after that call, I enrolled in college to become a mental health therapist.
My goals for you
Successful care and progress for my clients look like us focussing on the goals that the client wants to achieve and regularly checking in on progress toward those goals. Here are some sample goals I have worked on in the past: -Improved use of coping skills -Improved ability to manage impulses and distractions -Improved decisions making skills -Improved communication skills -Improved use of mindfulness skills
My first session with you
In the first session with me, you can expect to do a thorough evaluation of your current symptoms and their frequency, intensity, and duration to create baselines for our work. We will also gather your past history (including traumatic experiences from any time in your life) and a brief medical history, and any current medications you are taking. Then from this information, we will create your therapeutic goals together.
