Her Story
About Larissa
Larissa Darter is the founder and owner of Prosper Counseling, established in 2012. With nearly two decades in the mental health field, she specializes in anxiety and trauma, providing therapy to women and couples while also offering supervision for clinicians pursuing play therapy licensure. Darter earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and a Master of Arts in Family and Couples Counseling. She is a registered play therapist supervisor (RPTS) with additional EMDR training and authored the book Prosper in Motherhood, which reached number one on Amazon in the Christian counseling genre upon release. Darter maintains memberships in state counseling organizations in Kansas and Missouri and directs a local moms group at her church serving about 100 women. She attributes her success to her faith, a sense of higher calling, and the belief that serving others fosters happiness, gratitude, and health. Her professional values center on inclusivity, compassion, and curiosity, while personally she emphasizes faith, family, and enjoying nature.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Larissa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith in believing in God and a higher calling and purpose. When I was young I knew I wanted to help people. Helping and serving others increases happiness and gratitude and can lengthen health. That spirituality piece really pays off and gives me purpose and meaning in the work that I do and a reason to keep showing up.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice is to just keep showing up. If you keep showing up, you'll outlast every inner critic voice or doubt. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. Resilience is a skill you develop by putting in the reps. For founders, remember your why and keep showing up.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If you have your why and know who you want to serve, then go do that thing and keep doing it until it pans out. Have an entrepreneurial mindset and stick with it. Keep showing up. Have eyes for the long game versus quick instant wins. Know your why, what you want to accomplish in 5 and 10 years, and the impact and legacy you want to leave.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges include helping normalize mental health and overcoming stigmas in Western culture. People prioritize physical health but mental health still has stigmas. Opportunities come from more conversations leading to curiosity about emotional resilience and emotional intelligence. People want practical tools and small shifts they can integrate into busy lives without feeling overwhelmed.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In work, inclusivity, compassion, and curiosity are most important. Everybody has a story worth being heard. Personally, faith, family, and not taking ourselves too seriously. Having fun, getting outdoors and being in nature is life-giving.
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