Lara Hutchison, AMFT

If you’re exhausted from carrying emotional weight alone, stuck in patterns you can’t seem to break, or overwhelmed by trauma that still lives in your body, you’re in the right place. Many of my clients come to me after trying to push through on their own — or even after previous therapy — and still feel triggered, anxious, or disconnected.

You deserve a space where you feel safe, understood, and supported as you heal. I’m a warm, grounded therapist who helps adults, teens, couples, and families move from survival mode into genuine growth. Clients often tell me they feel comfortable opening up with me because I bring compassion, curiosity, and a relaxed presence — while also gently challenging them toward real change.

 I tailor therapy to your unique needs, blending:
• EMDR for trauma, PTSD, and painful memories that still affect you
• Attachment‑based work to help you build healthier relationships
• CBT & DBT tools for anxiety, emotional regulation, and coping
• Gottman Method for couples wanting to rebuild trust or communicate better
• Play & art therapy for children and teens

My approach is both supportive and practical — we’ll explore the deeper roots of your struggles while also building the skills you need to feel more confident, grounded, and connected.

Each client’s unique needs get a personalized approach. Many clients state that I help them feel comfortable and understood so that it is easy for them to open up. Further, you will find that I am caring and compassionate. Yet I bring my personality to the room so it feels relaxed. Then we will work together on joint goals as I offer clinical interventions designed to help you overcome symptoms. As well as to gain in confidence and self-esteem, and grow.

I provide therapy for:

Couples seeking improved communication, conflict resolution, or rebuilding trust after betrayal

Children and teens to help with anxiety, depression, transitions, emotional regulation, and coping skills

Individuals navigating trauma, substance abuse, codependency, and life transitions

Families seeking better communication and support with blended-family challenges

Faith-based integration if requested (Christian Therapist)

I draw on evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), the Gottman Method of Couples Counseling Level 2, Affair Recovery, Couples and Addiction, and Family Systems Theory.  And I tailor my approach to each client’s unique needs. Also, I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and continue to pursue further training to deepen my trauma-informed care.

I earned my Master of Arts in Counseling with a Specialization in Addiction from Western Seminary. Additionally, I have years of experience working with children, individuals struggling with anxiety, OCD, and addiction. Trainings include EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing), Attachment-Based Family Therapy, and Level 2 of the Gottman Method of Couples Counseling.

I’ve always felt a deep sense of purpose in walking alongside others in their healing and growth. In fact, there is something profoundly sacred about being a safe place for someone to share what they may never have felt safe to share before. To be trusted in that way is a privilege I don’t take lightly.

As a person of faith, I also see this work as a reflection of my calling to bring hope and healing to those who feel lost. My heart is to support those who feel stuck in moving forward, helping them find wholeness in their relationship with themselves and with others.

When I’m not working, I love spending time with my husband in our beautiful backyard and hanging out with our outdoor cats. We call it ‘watching cat TV.’ I’m also working on leveling up in Duolingo for both Spanish and Music (yes, Duolingo has music now!). Singing is a big passion of mine, and I’ve got my eye on learning the bass guitar. The one in the corner of our living room gazes at me expectantly.

Outside of that, I’m also involved in my church, including co-leading a couples’ group with my husband.

“Had an amazing experience with this office. Everyone has been so kind and professional. The therapy offices are very tranquil and every time I go in for a session, it feels like a get away. The admin team was so helpful scheduling my first appointment. They even helped me pick the right therapist for my specific needs and they were able to get me in within a week. This is a place I can trust with my therapy needs. Thanks RTC for making therapy such a pleasurable experience.”
Melinda H.