We all have fundamental needs: To belong, to feel understood, to give and receive love, to feel financially secure, to be free from pain. My approach to therapy begins with addressing the impetus that led to scheduling that first appointment, to then addressing core basic needs like sleep, nutrition and social connections. We will work to develop an awareness into emotional states and behaviors that arise out of them. Sometimes, it is the actions of others that are the primary source of our own distress. Even then, we can focus on what is in our control to improve our coping and circumstances. You may be here to look into therapy for yourself, or for someone that you love. Maybe this is your first time looking for a therapist, or perhaps you've spoken to many therapists in the past. Wherever you're coming from today - just know that therapy is a wonderful gift you can give to yourself at any time in your life. You can't be "too bad" or "too good" to enter therapy. In fact, I am going to invite you to let go of the idea of "good/bad," "right/wrong, "fair/unfair" in our work together.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

It is important to note that we may not cover every concern in our first session together - and that an intake session can travel over as many as the first 3-5 sessions. I will invite you to give a brief overview of your story, present challenges and any recent events in your life that led you to schedule a therapy session, relationships of importance, and any history of mental healthcare you have received that would be helpful for me to know to better understand where you are coming from.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

My biggest strength as a provider is in providing concrete tools in the moment to feel better "right now," while developing frameworks for long-term coping strategies. I also am a human being with many shared experiences which inform my work as a therapist.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

My work as a therapist has been guided my own personal experience as a human being. The strategies I will work on with you are strategies I practice with myself day-in and day-out. ​I have advanced education and experience working with adults and caregivers facing serious illness, navigating complex healthcare systems and supporting caregivers as they walk alongside their loved ones. I also have expertise supporting individuals and families with family planning including adoption, IUI/IVF, intentional single parenting, and foster care. Finally, I am also skilled in working with individuals experiencing episodes of depression or anxiety that are significantly impacting their daily lives.

About Lauren Burling