Emily Lazar, PsyD, HSPP

Pronouns: she/her

Psychologist

I view counseling as an opportunity to seek greater freedom: freedom to speak about topics that may have previously been avoided or silenced, freedom to make changes in your life, freedom to be and understand your authentic self. 

My philosophy of counseling is collaborative, emphasizing the therapeutic relationship and my clients’ unique goals and strengths. A blend of support and challenge, humor when appropriate, and a humble openness to feedback are qualities I aim to offer in my work. People come to counseling with a variety of intentions, from learning coping skills to healing after painful events to shifting the way they view themselves and others. Taking this into account, I use an integrative approach that includes trauma-informed, interpersonal, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based, narrative, feminist/multicultural, and dialectical behavior therapy interventions. I also strive to view my clients’ concerns holistically, considering frameworks such as physical wellbeing, culture, relationships, and personal values, as well as mental and emotional health. 

I grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana and maintain a love for both the NC mountains and the Midwest. I studied psychology and English creative writing as an undergraduate, which influenced me to recognize the power of story-telling and creative expression as therapeutic tools. I completed my doctorate in clinical psychology in rural Pennsylvania, working in community mental health and university counseling settings. I also offered academic and career advising to college students during that time. I came to Boone in 2016 to work at Appalachian State University’s Counseling Center, where I spent 5 years providing individual and group counseling (including an LGBTQ+ support group) to students and serving as the office’s outreach coordinator. My outreach work highlighted for me the importance of reducing stigmas surrounding mental health care and the value of peer and community support beyond the therapy room. 

As part of the Evergreen team, I am enthusiastic about serving adults of all ages. I have experience assisting those who are facing anxiety, depression, grief/loss, sexual and gender identity exploration, eating and body image concerns, trauma, self-harm, academic or career difficulties, relationship challenges, and more. I am motivated by collaboration and continual learning, so am grateful to work alongside this wonderful group of therapists. 

Outside the office, I enjoy catching up with loved ones, reading, creative writing, exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway, and experimenting in the kitchen with new cooking/baking projects. 

Emily is a member of the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology. She is licensed through the North Carolina Psychology Board, license #PP5429.