Hello I am Laura Cahill! I am a passionate, energetic, and dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a love for the art of engagement in the work of therapy. Do you feel like your emotions have taken over and pushed you out of the driver's seat in life? In life, we often experience challenges, unexpected stress and transitions, trauma, hurt, grief and loss. Understandably, we may struggle with powerful emotions that seem to almost overtake us. Part of the human experience is wanting to feel in control of our inner and outer lives. And when our natural emotional responses to difficult experiences and circumstances threaten that sense of control, we may find ourselves fighting our feelings. It’s time to step back from the battle-not by retreating, but by re-framing. Our emotions and feelings are not our enemies, they are messengers. This is where our work begins. We will focus on how to hear those messages by learning the skills needed to hear, manage and interact with these feelings to help calm the turmoil that life has taken on, understand and recover from the past, and to be fully present to our current experiences. To have the opportunity to create a life that is built on your terms and not defined by what has happened to you. Entering into the world of therapy can feel overwhelming and a bit scary (well done making it this far). I applaud your bravery and commitment to your process of healing and recovery and I would be honored to have the opportunity to get to know you better and to be a part of this journey with you.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session together we will spend some time getting to know each other and particularly what your needs are for the experience of therapy. We will then use this information to work together to set a course for the work we will do in therapy.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
My practice is guided by the biopsychosocial model and an awareness of the interconnected relationship of brain-based responses to psychological functioning or dysfunction with a special concentration on the effects of trauma both in childhood and adulthood related to mental health issues. I am certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and in the treatment of personality disorders. I have a particular interest in providing therapeutic interventions that reflect a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) informed practice.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My strengths as a clinician and effectiveness as a therapist are founded on an ability to see every clinical interaction as an opportunity to establish and strengthen the therapeutic relationship; the philosophy that accurate and thorough assessment/diagnosis is essential for understanding; high ethical standards; an attitude that seeks out and values collaboration; my belief in the ability for each person to find their recovery no matter the circumstance; and a love for providing therapeutic clinical services.