Laura Shires

LPC, 8 years of experience
Warm
Solution oriented
Empowering

Do you find yourself wishing for better days? Have you lost interest in the things that once brought you joy? Are your basic responsibilities weighing you down? Life doesn't have to be about exhaustion and overwhelm day in and day out. We can work together to improve your current circumstances. I love listening to my client's stories and helping them put the pieces together. At times we may mix conversation with psychoeducation in coping skills, mindfulness, and meditation. Bravely sharing your story in counseling allows you a rare opportunity to be heard without judgment. This is a priceless opportunity to process your experience. Together we can develop the coping skills necessary to diminish the impact of mental health conditions such as anxiety, trauma, or depression while giving you the ability to adapt more readily to life's curveballs. Whatever you are facing, I am here to help. Seeking therapy is a brave new start, and I will be here to help you enhance your life one step at a time.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

In our first session, you’ll be met with warmth and curiosity as we talk about your story, the experiences that have shaped you, and what you hope to gain from counseling. We’ll also review the details of informed consent, go over how to use the client portal, and address any questions you may have.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

So many of us attempt to struggle alone. We know there has to be a better way, but how do we find our path when it feels like we are wading through quicksand? Do you pretend everything is fine while suffering in secret? Perhaps the struggle is becoming less and less secret? Anxiety, depression, grief, relationship problems all have a way of seeping into the rest of our lives and poisoning our potential on the job and within our relationships. I believe that you have the power to take a deep dive into the topics you normally wouldn't even acknowledge aloud. I believe that you can create a new normal, no matter how devastating the past. I believe in your innate power to be the author of your story.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

You don’t have to keep carrying it all on your own. If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or struggling through a major life change, this is a safe space to breathe again. Together, we’ll work to understand your story, ease the pain you’ve been holding, and build new skills to help you feel grounded and capable. Healing is possible—and you don’t have to do it alone.

SpecialtiesTop specialties
Anxiety
Life Transitions
Women's Issues
Other specialties
Chronic Illness
Coping Skills
Depression
I identify as
Christian
White
Woman
Serves ages
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Teenagers (13 to 17)
Licensed in
Texas

Accepts cash

$100/session
Location
Offers in-person in 114 Nacogdoches St, Center, TX 75935, Suite BVirtual
My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

CBT combines cognitive strategies—such as reframing negative thoughts—with behavioral techniques—such as exposure, skills practice, and behavioral activation. Clients learn practical tools they can apply in daily life to reduce symptoms, improve emotional regulation, and support long-term wellbeing.

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

Through mindfulness practices, acceptance strategies, and committed action steps, clients learn to respond to challenges in ways that align with their values rather than their fears or automatic reactions. ACT is effective for anxiety, depression, trauma responses, relationship stress, and life transitions, supporting clients in creating meaningful, values-driven lives.

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

The therapy emphasizes holding two truths at once—acceptance and change—while teaching clients to understand and manage intense emotions, reduce impulsive or self-destructive behaviors, and improve relationships. DBT provides practical, learnable tools that clients can use in daily life, making it especially effective for emotion dysregulation, trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship conflicts.

EMDR

Through an eight-phase, structured protocol, EMDR reduces the emotional charge of traumatic memories and helps clients develop more adaptive thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. This approach is effective for PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, grief, and other issues rooted in unresolved past experiences, allowing clients to move forward with greater emotional stability and resilience.

, 118 ratings

5 ratings with written reviews

July 22, 2025

Laura is a fantastic therapist that listens intently with an open mind, free from judgement and responds with helpful input that helps you yourself address the issues you're facing, whether it be family, self improvement, or work life balance. I have benefitted immensely from our sessions and have grown into a better version of myself that feels capable of tackling issues that once riddled me with fear & anxiety. Laura has a very warm vibe and makes it easy to open up, even with difficult topics

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 26 with Laura

June 5, 2025

Laura has been an absolutely wonderful therapist. She has helped me open up and talk about my situations and reasonings, as well as come up with different possible solutions and to work through the things I need to work through. Laura has a very soothing voice; she's down to earth, and I enjoy our conversations. She's been a tremendous help. I definitely recommend her.

Verified client, age 55-64
Review shared after session 9 with Laura

April 28, 2025

Spending time with Laura, I find very calming. She gives me things to remember to focus on while in between sessions and I need that. I feel in so much more control of my emotions since she has been my therapist.

Verified client, age 55-64
Review shared after session 8 with Laura

Laura Shires is fully booked.