UPDATE: Lara has immediate day and evening openings for clients on Mon, Tues, and Weds.

She accepts United Healthcare, Oscar, Oxford, Student Resources, and ConnectiCare insurance!

I specialize in supporting overwhelmed and anxious teens and women who are looking for a way to feel more grounded and at peace.

I understand how challenging it can be to juggle everything – whether it’s your career, school, parenting, or trying to maintain relationships. It can feel like you’re constantly stretched thin, trying to meet everyone else’s needs while neglecting your own.

I’m here to be your ally as we work together to find that delicate balance between caring for yourself and meeting your responsibilities. If you're going through a big life transition, like a divorce, or if you're feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, career stress, or even ADHD, I’m here to listen without judgment and offer strategies to help you regain a sense of calm and fulfillment.

I also specialize in helping teens and women who are navigating depression, body image struggles, low self-esteem, pregnancy or postpartum challenges, or the pressure of career and academic demands. Whatever you're facing, you don’t have to go through it alone. Let's work together to help you discover a more peaceful, balanced, and satisfying way of living.

a woman with long hair and a smile on her face
a woman with long hair and a smile on her face

Lara Galazin, MSW, LMSW

Pronouns: She/Her

Now accepting new clients between 9am-5:30pm on Mondays

Insurance: Aetna, Cigna, and sliding scale available.

Who I Serve

My diverse expertise allows me to support a wide range of teens and women with various needs.

Women Navigating Life's Transitions

Life is full of changes, and sometimes we need a little extra support to navigate them. I help adults facing:

  • Career changes or job loss

  • Relationship transitions (marriage, divorce, new parenthood)

  • Empty nest syndrome

  • Caring for aging parents

  • Retirement adjustments

  • Anxiety and depression related to life changes

woman in black and white striped long sleeve shirt carrying girl in blue and white dress
woman in black and white striped long sleeve shirt carrying girl in blue and white dress
Teens and College Students

Adolescence and young adulthood can be tumultuous times. I support teens and young adults dealing with:

  • Academic pressures and stress

  • Social anxiety and peer relationships

  • Family conflicts

  • Identity exploration and self-esteem issues

  • Future planning anxieties

  • Depression and anxiety

  • Gender identity and sexuality concerns

people laughing and talking outside during daytime
people laughing and talking outside during daytime
a boy with a painted face
a boy with a painted face

As an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist, I provide supportive care for:

  • Coming out processes

  • Gender identity exploration

  • Navigating family acceptance challenges

  • Relationship guidance

  • Coping with discrimination and stigma

  • Building self-acceptance and pride

LGTBQ+ Teens & Women

How I can help you:

I specialize in helping teens as well as adult women located in CT with anxiety, burnout, depression, traumatic experiences, neurodiversity, and LGBTQ+ issues. My personal and professional journey fuels my passion for supporting those who struggle emotionally due to their unique life experiences.

Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I can help you challenge negative thought patterns and develop a more positive sense of self. Together, we can help you develop new ways of thinking which will improve your outlook on life and gain more confidence in your relationship with yourself and others. I'm trained in TF-CBT which is a specialized form of CBT that helps people heal from past or recent traumatic experiences.

I also utilize Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which emphasizes mindfulness and the development of emotional regulation skills. DBT equips clients with strategies to manage intense emotions and respond to emotional triggers in healthier ways.

I know how challenging it can be to navigate the highs and lows of life, and I'm here to ensure you aren't alone on your journey. Want to learn even more about my background and therapeutic approach? Scroll down to read more in my Q and A section!

2 women sitting on brown wooden bench
2 women sitting on brown wooden bench

What to Expect

In our sessions, you can expect:

  • A warm, accepting environment where you feel heard and understood

  • Collaborative goal-setting to ensure therapy aligns with your needs

  • Practical strategies and tools you can apply in your daily life

  • Regular check-ins to assess progress and adjust our approach as needed

  • A holistic view of mental health that considers all aspects of your well-being

a woman sitting on a couch with a notebook and pen
a woman sitting on a couch with a notebook and pen

I'm ready! What should I do now?

The first step to begin our work together is to schedule a quick phone consultation. This allows us to get to know each other a bit, and gives you a chance to get a feel for my therapeutic style and answer any questions you may have. We can also figure out the logistics, like your availability for appointments and insurance.

Next, our office manager will reach out to you to verify your insurance so there are no financial surprises. We do our best to make sure client's understand the cost of therapy before they make a commitment.

Lastly, the final step is to complete the intake paperwork. There will be a few forms emailed to you for you to fill out before your first session. This shouldn't take more than 5 minutes to fill out. Once those forms are completed, you will receive a link 24 hours before your appointment and you will be ready to attend your first session!

Reach out today and begin your journey!

Ready to begin your journey?

Taking the first step towards therapy is a courageous act. Whether you're facing a major life transition, struggling with long-standing issues, or simply looking to enhance your personal growth, I'm here to support you.

Wait, I still have some questions!

Questions are welcome! Starting therapy can feel like a big commitment, especially if this is your first time. I anticipate that prospective clients will have questions and have included information about my training and experience in my Q and A page.

If you have different questions, feel free to check out the FAQ page, or reach out to me directly using the form below. At NECC, we pride ourselves in responding to all outreach within 24 hours. I'm here to support you in any step of your journey.

What is important for potential clients to know about you?

I am deeply passionate about supporting people through their struggles in every phase of life—whether it’s a breakup, recovery from past trauma, academic difficulties, career change, marriage, motherhood, or another transformative phase. Whatever you're going through, it is an opportunity for growth and inner transformation. My approach is both personalized and grounded in clinical expertise, drawing from a diverse range of therapeutic techniques to meet you exactly where you are.

While I recognize the depth and seriousness of therapy, I also value the healing power of shared laughter. Together, we can create a safe, non-judgmental space to reflect on your past, navigate your present, and plan for a fulfilling future.

What is your approach to therapy?

During our first few sessions, we’ll focus on getting to know each other, exploring your background and life goals. Building rapport involves creating a supportive, non-judgmental space where trust can develop. The process is collaborative, ensuring you are involved and supported throughout.

Clients can expect to walk away from sessions with a deeper understanding of themselves, further clarity, feelings of connectedness and affirmation. They will gain insights into their experiences and develop skills to navigate their life transitions. I assess readiness for discharge by evaluating your progress towards goals and overall well-being, ensuring you feel confident and prepared for the next steps.

How will you help me?

I help my clients gain deeper self-understanding, find clarity, and develop practical skills to navigate life's challenges. I tailor my methods to each individual, meeting you exactly where you are in your journey. I create a safe, non-judgmental space for exploration and growth, focusing on what works best for you.

My clients often find Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to be very helpful. CBT explores how negative thoughts and cognitive distortions affect your emotions and experiences. This approach helps clients to learn how to identify and re-frame negative core beliefs. Once they are identified they can be replaced with more positive beliefs, which improves the individuals mood and outlook on life.

I also use Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) which focuses on mindfulness and developing emotional regulation skills. DBT teaches clients strategies that help them manage strong feelings and develop healthier responses to their emotional triggers.

Why did you become a therapist?

My path to becoming a therapist stemmed from my deep passion for connecting with people and helping them through difficult times. As an empathetic and compassionate person I thrived in my previous career, where I supported women during life transitions. However, I felt a strong pull to make a more meaningful impact, which led me to pursue a career in therapy where I could help those struggling to cope with a variety of struggles.

What is your educational background?

I hold a Master in Social Work from Sacred Heart University. This education has equipped me with a strong clinical foundation, which I apply in my work with various populations, including the LGBTQ community and individuals dealing with academic and career difficulties, depression, unresolved trauma, and anxiety. I am committed to continuously developing my skills and I take 15 hours of additional training each year.

What insurance do you take?

I am in network with Aetna and Cigna, and offer self pay ( reduced sliding scale rates available for those who qualify). You can learn more here.

What else should I know about you?

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time in nature, being with close friends, finding inspiration for travel, and reading self-help or memoir books. The last book I read was Lucky Me by Sachi Parker (Shirley MacLaine's daughter). I also enjoy painting, although I’m not an artist by any means. I have had a diverse professional history, all of which have led me to where I am today. One of my favorite sayings is, "What is meant for you will not pass you by," which reflects my optimistic approach to life's ups and downs.

Q & A with Lara

Reach out today!

Message us and you'll get a response within 24 hours