Life isn’t meant to be just about survival—you deserve more than just getting by. I’m here to help you discover a brighter, more fulfilling future where you can truly thrive. My name is Lauren, and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Lexington, Kentucky. With over 11 years of experience in social work and 4 years of experience as a mental health clinician, I’ve worked with individuals facing some of life’s toughest challenges. Using approaches like CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness, I tailor therapy to meet your unique needs and goals. My number one priority is creating a safe, compassionate space where you feel seen, heard, and supported. I know how overwhelming life’s challenges can feel, and I believe that no one should have to face them alone. Therapy is a space where we can face the hard things together, build trust, and work toward healing. Safety and understanding are the foundation of our work because without them, true growth isn’t possible.

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

In your first session with me, the focus is on building a connection and creating a foundation for your therapeutic journey. We'll start by getting to know each other—I’ll ask you some questions to better understand your needs, concerns, and goals. Together, we’ll explore what brought you to therapy and identify the areas you’d like to focus on first. This session is as much about you feeling comfortable and heard as it is about setting the stage for meaningful work. I like to explain the process with this analogy: Imagine we’re on a journey together in a bus. You’re in the driver’s seat, and I’m in the passenger seat holding a map. My role is to guide you by offering suggestions and tools to help you navigate, but ultimately, you’re in control. You decide which path to take, and whether you follow my suggestions or choose a different route, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Therapy is a collaborative process, and your voice and choices are at the heart of it all.

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

I take my role as a therapist with the utmost care and respect, knowing it is a profound privilege to be part of someone’s healing journey. Every client deserves unconditional respect, empathy, and a space where they feel truly seen and supported. I strive to meet my clients where they are, approaching therapy with compassion, realism, and practicality. I also believe in empowering my clients by providing clear, accessible psychoeducation—helping you understand not only the "how" but also the "why" behind the approaches and treatments we use. Transparency is central to everything I do, and I’m deeply committed to being an advocate and protector for my clients. I’m not a stranger to life’s challenges—I’ve faced my own share of hard times, and I know what it’s like to sit on the other side of the therapy room. Therapy has been a transformative part of my own journey, and it has deepened my empathy and understanding of what it takes to do the hard work of healing. I know how important it is to feel safe and to trust the person walking beside you in those vulnerable moments. For me, the first and most essential part of the therapeutic relationship is creating a sense of safety. Trust must be earned, and I am committed to earning yours because, without trust, true healing becomes impossible. Life is already hard enough—you don’t have to face it alone. Together, we can work to create a space where growth, understanding, and resilience can flourish.

About Lauren Holder

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