Today we’d like to introduce you to Lara Durand.
Hi Lara, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Mexico and moved to Texas in 2011. My career has never followed a perfectly straight path, but every step has shaped the work I do today. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor with two master’s degrees, and after years of working in mental health, I became fascinated by the connection between emotional well-being and physical health—especially gut health and nutrition.
My own health journey played a big role in that shift. After struggling with digestive issues, I realized that healing required looking beyond symptoms and taking a whole-person approach. That experience inspired me to become a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and continue my education in functional nutrition.
Today, I have the privilege of combining both worlds in my work. Through my private practices, I support individuals navigating anxiety, stress, and life transitions, while also helping busy moms improve their gut health, restore their energy, and build sustainable habits that fit real life. As a wife and mother of three, I understand firsthand how challenging it can be to prioritize your own health, and that perspective influences everything I do. My goal has always been to help people create lasting change with compassion, practical strategies, and evidence-informed care.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all. Like most entrepreneurs, my journey has been filled with seasons of uncertainty, growth, and learning. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced was my struggle with infertility. After experiencing pregnancy losses and being told my chances of having another child without medical intervention were very low, I went through a season of grief, frustration, and questioning everything. That experience not only changed me personally, but it also deepened my empathy for others who are navigating difficult seasons in their own lives.
At the same time, building a business while raising a family has been one of the hardest and most rewarding things I’ve ever done. There have been countless moments of trying to answer emails during nap time, working late after the kids were asleep, and wondering if I was giving enough to my business or enough to my family. Finding balance isn’t something I’ve mastered—it’s something I’m constantly working toward.
Looking back, those challenges have shaped the way I serve my clients. They remind me that healing isn’t linear, growth takes patience, and success doesn’t have to come at the expense of your well-being. Today, I’m passionate about helping other women pursue healthier, more sustainable lives while giving themselves grace through every season.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I wear two hats that complement each other beautifully. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, and my passion is helping people improve both their mental and physical well-being. Through my counseling practice, I work with individuals navigating anxiety, stress, burnout, life transitions, and relationship challenges. Through my nutrition practice, I specialize in helping busy moms heal chronic digestive issues, restore their energy, and create sustainable habits that support long-term health.
What sets my work apart is that I don’t see mental health and physical health as separate. Our bodies and minds are deeply connected, and lasting healing often requires addressing both. My background in psychotherapy allows me to understand the emotional and behavioral side of change, while my nutrition training helps me identify the physiological factors that may be contributing to how someone feels. I believe the goal isn’t perfection, it’s creating realistic, sustainable changes that fit into everyday life.
What I’m most proud of is creating practices where people feel genuinely seen and understood. Whether someone comes to me because they’re overwhelmed, struggling with anxiety, or frustrated after years of digestive symptoms with no clear answers, my goal is the same: to help them feel hopeful again. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a client regain confidence in their body, their mind, and their ability to care for themselves.
As a wife, mother of three, and business owner, I also understand the realities of trying to prioritize your health while juggling everything else. I don’t teach from theory alone, I teach from both professional expertise and lived experience. I think that’s why my clients often tell me they feel understood rather than judged, and supported rather than overwhelmed.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was always curious about people. I found myself wondering why people behaved the way they did, how childhood experiences shaped us, and what influenced the way we think and feel. Looking back, it’s no surprise that I ended up in psychology, it always felt like the natural path for me.
Personality-wise, I was very shy and quiet. I was much more of a listener than a talker, and I spent a lot of time observing the people around me. I’ve also always been creative. As a child, I loved making things, imagining new ideas, and spending as much time outdoors as possible.
Some of my favorite memories are cooking alongside my mom and having long conversations with my dad about space and science. I also took dance classes growing up, which gave me another creative outlet and taught me discipline and perseverance.
When I look back, I can see how those early interests still show up in my life today. My curiosity about human behavior led me to become a therapist, my love for creativity influences how I connect with clients and build my businesses, and the values I learned from my family continue to shape both my work and my life.
Pricing:
- GI Map: $897
- 1:1 4 month program: $2,497
- Individual therapy: $200 per session
- Couples therapy: $250 per session
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rootnourishwellness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realnessproject/
