Ms Lara Hanson
Psychologist and Social Worker
MAPsych (Educational and Developmental), BA Honours (Psych), BA Honours (Social Science), BA(Psych), MAPS
Ms Lara Hanson is a qualified Psychologist, Social Worker and Psychometrist. She has much experience in working with domestic/family issues, i.e. divorce, separation and abuse. She has also worked in a hospital setting working with mental illness, cancer patients, paediatrics as well as in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit).
Lara works best with children, adolescents, couples, families and groups in the following different areas:
- Anxiety
- Childhood issues
- Depression, including Postnatal Depression
- Divorce and separation
- Exam stress and anxiety for school and university students
- Grief and Loss
- Obsessive compulsive disorder
- Pre and post fertility treatment
- Parenting skills
- Relationship issues, i.e. enhancing communication and intimacy
Lara is eclectic in her therapeutic approach and uses a blend of the following theoretical frameworks:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Family Systems Therapy
- Mindfulness
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Psycho-education
- Reality Based Therapy
- Solution Focused Therapy
Lara believes that as a psychologist, an essential part of the therapy process is the relationship with the client. She aims to bring to the therapy process a feeling of comfort and safety without judgement. The client should feel that the therapist is working collaboratively with them as a team. She believes that the therapist and client should work together in terms of the goals that the client wishes to achieve in therapy, and select treatment components according to client preferences.
Lara believes that every person is unique and individual and should be treated in a way that works bests for them. She draws from many different therapeutical frameworks and calls upon those resources to tailor the treatment to be consistent with clients’ preferences. Lara believes in empowering her clients to assist them in dealing with their current stressors. She monitors clients’ progress weekly to ensure that improvement is taking place, and believes that therapy should provide a platform and opportunity for the person to self-develop and grow. Therapy should be a positive experience, helpful and empowering to the individual client.
Lara is very excited to be a part of the Eastbound Clinic and working collaboratively with the doctors in supporting the patients.
Lara consults at Eastbound Clinic on Fridays. Please call the clinic on 9579 3522 to make an appointment.
