“When you have once seen the glow of happiness on the face of a beloved person,
you know that a man can have no vocation but to awaken that light on the faces surrounding him.
In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.”
― Albert Camus
Hello everyone!
With many new members joining us online on social media, I thought it would be a great opportunity to re-introduce myself and kickstart my professional blog.
As many of you already know, my name is Lara Rust, and I am a licensed (HPCSA) Registered Counsellor servicing the greater Table View/Blouberg area of Cape Town. I offer both online and in-person sessions. My office is located at the Sandown Medical Centre where additional multidisciplinary support is available if needed and virtual sessions are held via Zoom video.
My primary focus is working with adolescents and adults and I have a special interest in working with those who are navigating life with life-limiting illnesses such as Cystic Fibrosis, or those facing illnesses such as cancer or any other condition that significantly impacts their lives. I am also deeply passionate about providing support to those who have been affected by grief and loss or supporting individuals and their loved ones who are facing end-of-life decisions and challenges.
Additionally, I have a keen interest in trauma, anxiety, life transitions, and adjustment difficulties such as retirement, divorce, and empty nest syndrome. I also work with challenges such as anxiety, trauma, sexual abuse, self-esteem, relationship challenges, personal growth, and identity development.
My passion and drive lie in supporting individuals to gain a deeper understanding of themselves, helping them develop a stronger sense of self-love, and ultimately guiding them to live with purpose, passion, and an ever-deepening sense of identity, no matter the challenges faced in life, including at end stages of life, ultimately enabling people to live until they die.
Some Bonus Nuggets About Me
In addition to being a Registered Counsellor, I am also a certified Perinatal Bereavement Facilitator and a BWRT Practitioner. On a personal note, I am a wife to an incredible husband and a proud mom to a wonderful teenage son. Whenever I have free time, I enjoy immersing myself in nature through hiking, which has been a long-standing passion of mine, although I don't often find time to do this as my weekends are far too short! I am also a very devoted dachshund lover and find great joy and comfort in spending time playing with and snuggling my two dachshunds, Chili-Pepper and Molly.
While I am mostly introverted, I occasionally throw in a bit of extroversion for an added kick. I have always had an adventurous streak and I do love new challenges (happy ones as opposed to hard ones, of course!) My hair colour and style may change frequently (keeping up with professional photos can be quite challenging!) I have a weakness for chocolate ice cream, and I devote a significant amount of time to personal growth, both spiritually and emotionally. Those close to me know that one of life's little pleasures for me is a bacon, egg, and cheese toasted sandwich—it would be my last meal choice if ever asked!
Beyond all of this, I am human. I am constantly learning, growing, and searching. I am inherently curious and always have numerous questions. I have a deep love for life and a strong desire to continue discovering and learning. I am no stranger to life's challenges, having experienced heart-breaking losses, fear of the unknown, moments of uncertainty, difficult decisions, and the repetition of stumbling into the same hole over and over again. I understand the courage it takes to seek help and the importance of truly listening and validating others' thoughts and feelings. Whether you are struggling with trauma, grief, loss, anxiety, life transitions, self-esteem, health or relationship issues, it would be an absolute honour for me to work alongside you on your journey to healing and personal growth.
“Perhaps the secret of living well is not in having all the answers
but in pursuing unanswerable questions in good company.”
-Rachel Naomi Remen
What's Next?
I thoroughly enjoy writing and sharing inspiration and life, whenever time permits and I am excited to get back to writing again. My hope is that this blog will inspire others, provoke thought and self-reflection, educate, empower and encourage personal growth. Topics for this blog will be wide and varied, including anything related to mental health, inward reflections, taking care of yourself, tips and psychoeducation and, of course, a whole lot of inspiration.
One last thing before wrapping up, I want to emphasise an important note: While I utilise social media as a tool for providing information and inspiration, it should not be considered a substitute for counselling. If you are seeking assistance or need help, please reach out to me privately. I hope you find value in the content, inspiration, and insights that are life's tapestry - I look forward to sharing a journey of words and thoughts with you all!
Should you need to reach out, my contact details are over on my website, alternatively you are welcome to email me on info@lararust.com
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