Dr. Lara Neely (LPC)

I am a Doctor of Behavioral Health, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist. I am licensed to practice in Texas and Colorado. I have worked with clients suffering from stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, and those struggling to cope with life changes. I have experience working with severely mentally ill patients in a psychiatric emergency treatment center and a community behavioral health clinic. I have spent the majority of my time, however, in private practice. My clients range in age from 13 to 99! I enjoy helping people from all walks of life. Many people come to me because they are suffering from anxiety. It seems like COVID really pushed a lot of people over the edge, especially those who were already struggling with relationships or mental health issues. Panic attacks, depression, sleep disorders, and mood swings are common issues I see in clients. A lot of moms used to have a glass of wine at night and now many are admitting to needing a whole bottle! Many people tell me they feel fearful of things that are happening in the world and do not know how to cope with feeling out of control. Others tell me that they are struggling financially or dealing with health issues. I have had many teens tell me that they feel suicidal and hopeless. I have also seen an increase in those struggling with gender dysphoria and relationship issues. A lot of my older clients are sad about the world they will be leaving to their children. I understand and empathize with all of these situations! From OCD to PTSD, there really isn’t much that I haven’t encountered as a therapist. Veterans, homeless, addicts, abusers, victims, parents, children, CEOs, athletes, cancer patients, EMS workers, young and old, rich and poor… you name it…I have worked with people from all walks of life. What I can say is that I bring the same level of compassionate care to everyone I encounter. There is no judgment. It is humbling to realize that for many people, I am the one person they feel safe confiding in, and I take that trust very seriously. Regardless of the issues and their severity, I work closely with every client to help find solutions that make life more manageable and enjoyable. I believe that every person needs a toolbox that is full of ideas and strategies for coping with the stressors of life. As the saying goes, if all you have is a hammer, then everything will look like a nail. There are plenty of other tools out there, and when you own them, it is so empowering! Soon, you will be building and creating the life that you want for yourself! You are unique, valuable, and worthy of healthy relationships, happiness, and love. I believe that you are the expert of your life and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support and empower you in that journey!