Larissa Lau, AASW

Larissa Lau prefers the name Lara and works as an accredited social worker based in Melbourne, Australia. She holds a Master of Social Work and is associated with the AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers), reflecting her professional training and commitment to social work standards.

Lara has around ten years of experience supporting people through challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, grief, and major life transitions. Her work emphasises a collaborative approach, inviting clients to take an active role in shaping therapy while she offers guidance and practical tools tailored to each person's situation.

Her practice is grounded in evidence-based methods that focus on strengths and clear goals. Lara draws on a range of therapeutic techniques to suit individual needs, including counselling, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), ego state or parts therapy, somatic experiencing, clinical hypnotherapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness. She aims to help people build coping skills, clarify priorities, and move toward a more manageable and meaningful day-to-day life.

Evidence-Based Therapeutic Approaches for Online Care

Larissa uses cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) to help people identify and change unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns; CBT is often effective for stress, anxiety, depression, panic, and phobias by teaching practical coping strategies and problem-solving skills. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) supports clients in clarifying personal values and developing psychological flexibility - it is useful for managing difficult emotions, navigating life changes, and improving overall wellbeing. Somatic experiencing focuses on the body’s physical responses to stress and trauma, helping people reduce tension, improve regulation, and process traumatic reactions through attention to bodily sensations.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Larissa works with each person to consider their needs, goals, and preferences, adapting techniques over time so the plan fits the individual rather than following a one-size-fits-all model.

Online therapy with Larissa is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to continue care from home, balance therapy with work or caregiving responsibilities, and access consistent support even when in-person visits are not feasible.