Making the choice to enter into the therapy world isn't always easy. For some, the idea of becoming vulnerable and opening up to a stranger is scary and anxiety provoking. However, the long-term benefits of self-exploration, self-understanding, and self-acceptance are invaluable.
Some clients enter therapy with a specific goal in mind or issue to address. Perhaps you have been referred by another clinician or identified a particular problem that needs attention. Therapy is a great place to target those issues and carefully evaluate them in a safe place. Other clients may enter therapy without a specific goal. That's fine too! Dr. Pence works to create a safe and comfortable environment that promotes openness and healing.
Individual therapy provides you with the opportunity to meet with Dr. Pence on a one on one basis and explore the complexities of your life in a safe space. Dr. Pence works diligently to identify your strengths, and explore ways to capitalize on these and create a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
Family and couples therapy works to identify patterns in the family system that may be preventing its members from reaching their full potential. We are all creatures of habit, but at times our habits can become mildly dysfunctional or flat out destructive. Dr. Pence works with each family to help develop more effective patterns and create a sense of balance within the system.
Dr. Pence has garnered a unique expertise in the field of eating disorders, working in two of the nation's leading treatment facilities - The Renfrew Center and The Center for Pediatric Eating Disorders at Children's Medical Center in Texas. She has experience in residential, inpatient, and outpatient settings where she was able to refine her skills and develop a wide array of tools to use in her own treatment of eating disorders. In addition, her work has traveled across all ages - as she has conducted therapy with adolescents, young adults, and adults alike. Dr. Pence works to identify how patients use their relationship with food to control life chaos, relationships, and seemingly difficult feelings.
Adolescents and young adults encounter unique periods of stress. Today's youth have specific demands that require a particular type of attention. Dr. Pence pays specific attention to this time period when working with this population. She has experience in recognizing the unique needs that adolescents and young adults have.
Dr. Lara Pence received her doctoral degree and MBA from Widener University in Philadelphia, PA. She acquired specialized training in the treatment of eating disorders while working as a primary therapist at The Renfrew Center, the nation's leader in eating disorder treatment. Additionally, she completed her post-doctoral fellowship at Children's Medical Center in Dallas, TX, working at the Center for Pediatric Eating Disorders. Currently, Dr. Pence is the Site DIrector at The Renfrew Center of Texas . Dr. Pence has conducted presentations around the Dallas area, focusing on increasing awareness of eating disorder treatment and education. She was featured on Good Morning America and the BBC discussing the struggles behind obsessive eating disorder behaviors .
4300 N. Central Expressway
Suite 340
Dallas, TX 75206
cell - 214.642.6802
drlarapence_gmail.com
Please feel free to email or call Dr. Pence to set up an initial consultation.
