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Lara Gargus, MA

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Marriage and Family Therapy Intern, Sex Therapy Intern
EMDR Trained • Gottman Level 3 Practicum

Lara Gargus is a sex and relationship therapist who works with adults 18 and older. She provides a warm, non-judgmental, and collaborative space for clients to explore intimacy, connection, communication, and personal wellbeing. Lara believes therapy should empower clients to understand themselves more fully while developing the skills and confidence to create satisfying, healthy relationships.
 

Lara specializes in sex therapy and relationship work, helping individuals and couples navigate desire differences, sexual functioning concerns, identity exploration, and relationship changes. She uses an integrative, evidence-based approach that prioritizes consent, safety, and emotional attunement.
 

Lara is fully trained in EMDR, has completed the Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 3 Practicum, and is currently pursuing both Gottman and AASECT certifications. She provides LGBTQIA+ affirmative care and incorporates modalities such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and somatic-based approaches.
 

She is also actively studying somatic therapy, nutritional and holistic interventions, and women’s health and mental health issues in order to deepen her whole-person approach to care.



Fluent in American Sign Language (ASL)

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We offer free consultations call/text the front office: 727-308-6094

Specializations:

Credentials & Experience:

  • Sex and gender

  • Sexuality and sexual functioning

  • Relationships

  • Marriage and family

  • Intimacy and communication

  • LGBTQIA+ affirmative care

  • Trauma and attachment (EMDR)

  • Poly/Non-Monogamous Relationships

  • Master of Arts - Marriage & Family Therapy, Sex Therapy

  • Bachelor of Arts - Communication Sciences & Disorders, Interpreting
  • Completed Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 3 Practicum
    Training
  • Fully trained in EMDR
  • Currently studying somatic therapy, nutritional/holistic intervention, and women's health and mental health issues

Lara sees clients aged 18 and above.

Specializations:

  • Sex and Gender: Lara supports clients exploring identity, expression, transitions, and the ways sex and gender impact emotional and relational wellbeing. She provides a safe, affirming space to better understand oneself and navigate personal or social challenges related to gender and sexuality.
     

  • Sexuality and Sexual Functioning: Lara helps individuals and couples address concerns related to desire, arousal, orgasm, pain, sexual anxiety, or changes in sexual functioning. Her approach is sex-positive, trauma-informed, and focused on creating healthier, more satisfying sexual experiences.
     

  • Relationships: Whether you're navigating conflict, communication difficulties, life transitions, or changes in closeness, Lara helps clients strengthen connection, deepen understanding, and develop healthier relational patterns.
     

  • Marriage and Family: Lara works with couples and families to improve communication, rebuild trust, and better understand shared dynamics. She supports partners in developing tools to strengthen their connection and respond to relationship challenges with compassion and clarity.
     

  • Intimacy and Communication: Lara helps clients explore emotional and physical intimacy, deepen connection, and develop communication skills that foster openness, trust, and vulnerability. She guides clients in creating safer, more meaningful relationships.
     

  • LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Care: Lara provides inclusive, affirming care for LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples. She supports clients with identity exploration, relationship concerns, coming-out experiences, and navigating societal or family stressors, all within a safe, validating therapeutic environment.
     

  • Trauma and Attachment (EMDR): Using EMDR and attachment-informed approaches, Lara helps clients heal from past experiences that may influence present emotional patterns, relationships, or triggers. She supports clients in building a greater sense of safety, stability, and emotional resilience.
     

  • Poly / Non-Monogamous Relationships: Lara offers non-judgmental, knowledgeable support for clients practicing or exploring consensual non-monogamy. She helps partners navigate boundaries, communication, jealousy, trust, and relationship structure in ways that align with their values and needs.

Modalities:

  • Gottman Method Level 3 Practicum (Couples Therapy): The Gottman Method is an evidence-based approach to couples therapy focused on improving communication, deepening emotional connection, and building healthy relationship patterns. At Level 3 Practicum, Lara has advanced training in assessing relationship dynamics and guiding couples through structured interventions designed to reduce conflict, increase understanding, and strengthen intimacy.
     

  • EMDR (Fully Trained): Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a trauma-focused therapy that helps clients process distressing memories, beliefs, or experiences that may be impacting their present life. Lara is fully trained in EMDR and uses it to support clients in reducing emotional triggers, integrating past experiences, and building healthier emotional responses.
     

  • EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy): Emotionally Focused Therapy is a structured, attachment-based approach that helps individuals and couples understand emotional patterns and build stronger, more secure relationships. Lara uses EFT to help clients identify the deeper emotions driving their reactions, improve emotional responsiveness, and create more stable relational bonds.
     

  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Lara incorporates CBT techniques to help clients identify unhelpful thinking patterns, develop healthier coping skills, and create practical strategies for change.
     

  • Somatic Therapy (In Progress): Somatic therapy integrates mind-body awareness to address how stress, trauma, and emotions are stored in the body. As Lara continues her somatic training, she incorporates gentle techniques that help clients tune into physical sensations, regulate their nervous system, and increase mind-body connection.

 
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