Hi, I'm Laura, a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Philadelphia. I help motivated adults navigate anxiety and distress, explore and process traumatic or upsetting experiences, and develop skills in self-expression, assertive communication, and boundary setting. I am direct but compassionate - I recognize the balance between providing support and gently pushing clients to face challenging issues when they are ready.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Clients can expect to feel heard and valued. My aim is to provide a warm and trusting space where you can be your authentic self, confront self-doubt, and take meaningful steps toward the changes you desire.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I am candid, engaged, and sensitive to the needs of those who I work with. I have specialized knowledge of trauma, meaning that I can recognize and address the complex, often hidden, impacts of these experiences on a client's emotional and psychological well-being. I am genuinely interested in getting to know you and believe that your stories are important.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I love working with adults who are excited to learn about themselves and grow mentally and emotionally. Folks I work with often relate to one or more of the following: -You feel deeply, but hesitate to explore or express your emotions. -One or more areas of your life feel overwhelming or unmanageable. -You identify as sensitive—or have been told you are. -You tend to be self-critical, often beating yourself up or feeling not good enough. -You have a hard time saying "no" and find yourself prioritizing others over yourself. -You grew up with emotionally immature parents and still struggle to feel heard. -You struggle to set boundaries or identify your needs, leading to disappointing relationships.
About Laura Finestone
Identifies as
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Integrative
To best support the unique individuals with whom I work, I draw from multiple treatment approaches. Utilizing different therapeutic approaches allows me to be flexible and responsive to your individual needs.
Psychoeducation
I use psycho-education to help clients understand how their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected, and how factors like trauma, anxiety, or stress affect mental health. Building this kind of understanding can be validating and empowering, helping to reduce feelings of shame, confusion, or isolation.
Psychodynamic
A psychodynamic approach aims to explore the deeper emotional roots of the issues that you might be facing. This means that we will explore your past relationships, family dynamics, and significant life events with the goal of 'connecting the dots' between past and present.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is more structured, goal-oriented, and focused on present challenges. I sometimes use this approach to help you identify and challenge negative thought patterns, and make small behavioral changes. Breaking problems down into more manageable parts can reduce anxiety and avoidance, and bring a sense of accomplishment and hope.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing is a client-centered, collaborative approach designed to help you resolve ambivalence and enhance motivation to change. I might use this framework to reinforce your strengths as well as help you recognize the gap between current behaviors and your personal goals or values.