LPCC, 6 years of experience
New to Grow
Welcome! My name is Laura and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in Minnesota. I completed my Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology at the University of St. Thomas and have been practicing for about 6 years. I currently work with primarily adolescents and young adults. I’ve worked with clients and families from all different cultural backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Meeting clients where they are at is a crucial part of therapeutic work and I do this by using a culturally responsive, client-centered, and trauma-focused approach with each individual. We will move at a pace that feels right for you to build trust and understanding.
In our first session together, clients can expect to start getting to know one another through an inviting, warm, and confidential space. I encourage clients to move at a pace that feels right for them, as you are the expert of your own experience. My role is to support you as you re-discover the internal strengths and tools you already have within yourself. We will go over any questions you may have and what to expect as we work together. We will also discuss what brought you here so we can collaboratively establish our goals for therapy. My hope is that you leave the first session feeling validated, curious, and hopeful.
As a therapist, I have been described as caring, warm, compassionate, collaborative, organized, and a good listener. Previous clients have mentioned they have left sessions feeling more understood, relieved, and empowered. I care for each of my clients and will also gently challenge when it's appropriate to help support individuals through their growth and healing process.
Throughout my experience, I have found I work best with adolescents/young adults (ages 18-30) whose concerns include anxiety, depression, self-esteem, identity, life transitions, and relationships. I love working with individuals who are curious to learn more about themselves, are motivated for change, and are ready to grow into the best version of themselves.
I utilize CBT skills (cognitive triangle/restructuring, behavioral activation, problem-solving) to help clients challenge their negative thought patterns and get "un-stuck" from unhelpful cycles. As a highly evidence-based treatment, I integrate CBT often within my work. We will explore the connections of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to give you more control over your life.
I often implement solution-focused questions and prompts such as miracle questions, scaling techniques, and exceptions to the rule. This approach helps us more clearly define our goals and what has "worked" for us. I use this approach in a strengths-centered way, prompting the client to help understand their own tools, strengths, and solutions to their struggles.
I implement person-centered skills during each session using empathy, intentional listening, and validation. It's important to make the client feel heard and connected as we build a trusting therapeutic alliance together.