Lara Kruger, Psychologist
Lara is a warm and empathetic registered psychologist with a strengths-based approach. She is skilled in providing effective individual therapy to school-aged children, teenagers and adults. Lara helps clients who struggle with Trauma, Anxiety and Depression. She also has a special interest in working with neurodiverse clients such as those with Autism, ADHD and people who have a unique way of thinking, learning and experiencing the world.
Lara's supportive style, compassion, and person-centred approach enables clients to work collaboratively towards resilience, self-acceptance, emotional balance and happier social relationships.
Therapy with Lara
Lara is a kind, patient and non-judgemental psychologist who creates a safe and affirming space for each person who sees her for help. She offers a warm and supportive approach, helping clients feel comfortable while building practical skills for everyday challenges. No two people are alike, and Lara approaches each person as a unique human being with strengths that can be built on, and challenges that can be overcome.
Lara has a holistic approach to mental health and well-being. In this approach, a diagnosis, such as Depression, Autism, ADHD or Trauma, is not the same for everyone. Rather, Lara’s focus is on understanding the underlying psychological, biological, and social processes that contribute to mental health issues for each unique person. This means that treatment is tailored to consider individual differences and based on the specific needs and circumstances of each individual. Because her approach is holistic, Lara aims to promote overall well-being and functioning in real-world circumstances.
Lara draws from various evidence-based therapeutic modalities, such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). Lara integrates techniques and strategies from these modalities to provide a comprehensive treatment approach that targets both specific symptoms and broader underlying factors.
Help with the Challenges of Neurodiversity
Neurodivergent is a nonmedical term that describes people whose brains develop or work differently from most others. This means the person has different strengths and struggles from people whose brains develop or work more typically. Some well known examples of neurodiversity include Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Sensory Processing Disorders, and Dyslexia.
Neurodivergent individuals often face challenges in a world consisting of mostly neurotypical people. These may include sensory overload such as from bright lights or loud sounds, communication differences, difficulties with executive functioning like planning and time management, as well as emotional difficulties such anxiety, depression, social isolation, emotional regulation and the exhaustion of 'masking' their authentic selves to fit in. These challenges can lead to stress, burnout, and withdrawal from school, work and others.
Lara is sensitive to the unique needs of those who are neurodivergent, and she has experience in providing help that makes real-world differences. She provides a safe therapeutic space with sensitivity to sensory overload possibilities. Lara is non-judgemental and respects each client's right to self-efficacy and dignity. In her work with neurodivergent clients, Lara's therapy emphasises:
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A strength-based focus: Therapy aims to help clients identify and leverage their inherent strengths and unique capabilities rather than solely focussing on challenges.
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An individualised and uniquely tailored approach: Therapeutic goals and strategies are tailored to each client's own specific needs, processing styles, and real-world requirements.
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Sensory Accommodations: Adjusting lighting, reducing noise, and allowing the use of sensory tools to accommodate sensory sensitivities in session.
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Encouraging empowerment and self-advocacy: With an emphasis on getting to know and love yourself, working with your strengths and managing your challenges, as well as learning to advocate for your needs in various environments.
Areas of Practice
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Emotional dysregulation
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Cognitive processing and information overload
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School refusal
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Perfectionism
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Social skills training
- Low self-esteem and self-criticism
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Assertiveness and boundaries
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Attention difficulties
Qualifications & Professional Associations
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Master of Professional Psychology
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Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
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Member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (APPi)
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Registered Psychologist, Australia Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
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Registered with the Psychology Board of Australia
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Working with Children Check
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DHS Aged Care Sector
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DHS Vulnerable Person Relate Screening
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Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect (RRHAN-EC)