Meet Lara Maurino Donahue | Integrative Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lara Maurino Donahue and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lara, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind the success of my work is authenticity. Early on, I learned in order to be a successful therapist, I had to be very clear about doing my own personal growth work, getting out of my own way, and knowing who I am. There is no space for feeling like an imposter when you are supporting people on their own personal journeys to being their true selves.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
For a large part of my twenties, I saw everyone around me starting their careers and seemingly knowing the direction their lives were going in. I desperately wanted to know my life’s purpose, but the only thing I knew for sure is that it wasn’t working for some company doing a daily 9-5. More than anything, I wanted to feel peaceful and I wanted to have healthy relationships. I spent much of my time devouring self-help books, journaling, and speaking with others to go deeper into my understanding of myself and my relationships. My biggest commitment early on was to my own personal growth. I was exploring and seeking my purpose through pushing past my comfort zone spiritually, emotionally, and physically. I traveled around the world and I vigilantly practiced putting my ego on the back burner so that I could confront my shadows, fears, and blockages.
Through consciously learning the process of self-healing, I decided to pursue my master’s in social work so that I could support others on similar journeys.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting New York City and I wanted to show them a great time, I’d take them all over town to have the tourist experience and the local experience. The now shut down Oyster Bar in Grand Central was a personal favorite. It’s the perfect place for a martini, great fries, and fresh oysters. We would walk the cobble stone streets of the West Village and wake up early to get the zucchini flowers (when in season) at the Union Square market before they sell out. For Italian, we’d go to L’Artusi or for the best Japanese street food, we’d go to Village Yokocho. The Gugghenheim is a unique museum and close enough to walk to Central Park after visiting.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Nikki Ostrower of NAO Wellness is a friend and mentor. She talks the talk and walks the walk. Having someone in a similar field (in terms of a helping profession) to share your own vulnerabilities and challenges is priceless.

Website: www.laradonahue.com

Image Credits
Melodee Solomon