About Me
I'm Lara McCain, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) serving clients in DC, Florida, California, and Hawaii. I specialize in perinatal support, couples and family therapy, and anxiety disorders. Having lived all over the world, I deeply empathize with the challenges that come from life’s unpredictable path. Often no amount of planning can predict what will be thrown our way. As such, I strive to create a supportive and open environment to help clients cope with uncertainty and change. Utilizing evidenced-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Therapy, I am here to guide you toward healing and growth.
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Experience & Training
I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology from San Diego State University and earned my Master’s degree in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego. I interned with a hospice organization and gained significant experience supporting clients through profound grief and loss. This included support for clients coping with the devastating loss of a child.
I spent many years working in a community mental health setting focusing on strengthening family bonds, communication, and addressing trauma-related symptoms. I have specialized training in couples counseling, and treating anxiety disorders, and panic. I have expertise in treating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and working with perinatal and postpartum clients and am certified in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International.
Therapeutic Approach
Clients often describe me as warm, genuine, and approachable. I take an active role in therapy, using gentle feedback, coaching, and clinical structure when necessary. I frequently draw from Cognitive Behavioral techniques, Solution-Focused Therapy, and trauma-informed modalities in my work with clients. I’ve found this integrative approach to be very effective in my work with clients navigating symptoms of anxiety and panic, complicated relationship dynamics, and family conflict. My time working in hospice care has provided me with a wonderful tool kit to provide compassionate, trauma-informed care for grief and loss.
Focus Areas and Expertise
I have a special interest in working with anxiety and panic and offer effective, tailored treatment for anxiety disorders. Additionally, I have advanced training in perinatal mental health counseling, with a particular interest in supporting individuals experiencing anxiety during the perinatal period. My work with perinatal clients also includes supporting clients through infertility, trauma, and grief and loss.
I am also a trained couples and family therapist, and support couples of all kinds who want to improve their communication and reduce conflict. I also have experience supporting couples navigating infertility as well as grief and loss. I provide trauma-informed care and integrate this framework into my work with individuals and couples.
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University of San Diego
M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy, 2009San Diego State University
B.A. in Psychology, 2005 -
LMFT, California- LMFT 53151
LMFT, Hawaii- MFT 409
LMFT, Florida- MT4383
LMFT, Washington D.C.- LMFT200001239
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American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT), Clinical Member
Postpartum Support International, Professional Provider
Perinatal Mental Health Certification (Ongoing)
Risking Connection: A Training Curriculum for Working with Survivors of Childhood Abuse, Child and Family Service,
Certified in Combined Parent-Child Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy
Military Child Education Coalition, “Providing counseling and support to children of military families.”
ABA: Applied Behavior Analysis, Aspiranet