Lara Zammit, LLMSW
EMDR and Somatic Therapist
Therapist
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Patient Populations: Adolescents, College Students, Adults
Education: University of Michigan Social Work
(Ann Arbor)
In network with:
Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
Aetna
You carry deep wounds from your past, making it difficult to fully open up to others. You feel guarded, hesitant to trust, and afraid of getting hurt again. Despite longing for connection, you struggle to let down your barriers, fearing vulnerability and rejection.
Hi, my name is Lara and I am a trauma and EMDR therapist. In therapy, my goal is to cultivate a collaborative therapeutic relationship so you can better understand yourself, your relationships, and your reactions to the world. I integrate a psychodynamic framework with somatic and attachment-based interventions. You will gain awareness and make lasting changes by addressing the connection between formative experiences, relationship patterns, and the nervous system.
My commitment is to create a space of understanding, non-judgment, safety, and openness. I will also gently challenge you along the way. I have prior experience working with survivors of sexual abuse, relational violence, attachment disruption, and intergenerational trauma at the partial level of care and within shelter-based services.
-
Adoption
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Anger Management
Attachment Focused
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Bipolar Disorder
BIPOC Individuals
Chronic Pain and Illness
Childhood Trauma
Codependency
Complex PTSD
Domestic Violence/Abuse
Dissociation
Divorce or Breakup
Empaths/HSPs
Intimacy Issues
Life Transitions (Career Change, Retirement, Moving, Parenthood, etc)
Martial Problems
Neurodiverse Individuals
Racism and Racial Identity
Parenting
Peer Relationships
Racial Identity
Relationships
Recovering Perfectionists and People Pleasers
Self-Esteem
Self-Harming
Sleep Concerns/Insomnia
Sex Positive - Kink Allied
Sexual Trauma and Abuse
Sexual Identity and Orientation
Spirituality
Stress
Suicidal Ideation
Women’s Health
-
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Mindfulness/Meditation
Attachment Based Therapy
Polyvagal Theory
Neurodivergent Affirming Therapy
Affirmative Therapy
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Person Centered
Strengths Based
Culturally Sensitive
Relational
Interpersonal
Get to Know Lara:
Who is your ideal client?
I work well with people who are willing to engage in an open process and are curious about shifting the patterns and perceptions they have learned. My experience lends itself to working with older adolescents and emerging adults with histories of trauma, relational difficulties, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, grief, and self-harm.
What’s something you wish people knew about therapy or the therapy process?
The therapeutic alliance is important for the therapy process to be effective. At varying degrees, it serves as a microcosm of client's interpersonal relationships and models safety, boundaries, consent, and repair. In terms of the trajectory of therapy, progress can take time. Therapy can be transformative when you combine a safe environment and willingness to be open and honest with small exposures to uncertainty and discomfort.
Why do you like being a therapist?
I am passionate about creating space for people to identify where they have control, safety, and agency in their lifes. It is also powerful to assist people in finding areas they want to create change.
Besides being a therapist, what do you enjoy in your spare time?
I love being outside (whether that is running, hiking, swimming or biking), cooking, and reading (mostly nonfiction/ memoirs).
What is your favorite book, podcast or mental health resource?
My Grandmother's Hands by Resmaa Menakem