I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) and Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC) with over 5 years of experience specializing in substance use disorders and mental health challenges. Holding a Master’s degree in Social Work from Ohio State University and advanced training in addiction counseling, I use a strengths-based approach focused on resilience and empowerment. My experience spans outpatient settings, residential treatment facilities, and detox, where I provide comprehensive assessments, individualized treatment plans, and trauma therapy. I incorporate evidence-based practices, including motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), EMDR, and trauma-informed care, to support clients in overcoming their challenges. I am dedicated to creating a safe, supportive environment for clients to explore their issues and move toward healing. In addition to direct clinical work, I am passionate about community outreach, advocating for mental health awareness and addiction recovery. I collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic, integrated care for my clients. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, reading, drumming, swimming, and spending time with family and friends, which enriches my understanding of the diverse experiences of those I serve.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In the first session, clients can expect to be welcomed into a safe, nonjudgmental space where they can share their concerns and goals. We’ll begin by discussing their background, including any history of substance use, mental health challenges, and trauma, as well as current life circumstances. I’ll gather information to understand their strengths, needs, and resources, and collaboratively we’ll begin to explore treatment goals. The first session is primarily about building rapport, establishing trust, and clarifying expectations for therapy. Clients can also expect to discuss the therapy process, confidentiality, and the practicalities of working together. By the end, clients should feel heard, understood, and confident in the direction of their treatment plan.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My greatest strengths as a provider are my empathy, clinical versatility, and commitment to creating a supportive, nonjudgmental environment. I am skilled at building trust with clients, allowing them to feel safe in exploring their challenges. My experience with a variety of therapeutic approaches—such as motivational interviewing, CBT, DBT, EMDR, and trauma-informed care—allows me to tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs. Additionally, my strengths-based approach helps clients recognize their resilience and resources, empowering them to take active steps toward healing. I am also deeply committed to ongoing professional development and collaborating with other providers to ensure holistic care.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I am best positioned to serve adults facing substance use disorders, mental health challenges, or a combination of both. My experience spans individuals dealing with addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, and co-occurring disorders. I work well with clients who are ready to explore their challenges and are motivated to make meaningful changes. My strengths-based approach emphasizes resilience, self-empowerment, and recovery, which is especially helpful for adults navigating complex life situations, such as trauma, relationship difficulties, or career challenges. I am also equipped to support clients in both short-term crisis situations and those seeking long-term healing and personal growth.
About Laura Nye
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
ACT helps individuals accept their thoughts and feelings without judgment, while committing to actions aligned with their values. The focus is on mindfulness, cognitive defusion (detaching from thoughts), and behavioral flexibility. In practice, I guide clients to identify their values, accept discomfort, and take meaningful steps toward their goals, even in the face of anxiety or difficult emotions. It's especially effective for managing stress, depression, and anxiety by fostering psychological flexibility and self-compassion.
EMDR
EMDR is a trauma-focused therapy that helps individuals process distressing memories by using bilateral stimulation (usually through eye movements). It helps clients reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge and allowing them to integrate these experiences more adaptively. In practice, I guide clients to identify target memories, facilitate bilateral stimulation, and help them shift negative beliefs into more positive, adaptive ones. It’s particularly effective for PTSD, anxiety, and unresolved trauma.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress. In practice, I help clients recognize distorted thinking, challenge these thoughts, and replace them with more realistic, balanced perspectives. We also work on developing healthier coping strategies and behavioral changes to address issues like anxiety, depression, and stress. CBT is structured, goal-oriented, and often short-term, making it highly effective in treating a variety of mental health concerns.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that emphasizes the balance between acceptance and change. It’s particularly useful for individuals with intense emotions, self-destructive behaviors, and borderline personality disorder. In practice, I use DBT’s four core modules—mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness—to help clients build skills for managing difficult emotions and improving relationships. We focus on validating their experiences while working toward meaningful, long-term change. DBT is structured, often involving both individual therapy and group skills training.
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma-informed care involves understanding, recognizing, and responding to the impact of trauma on a person’s life. In practice, I prioritize safety, trustworthiness, and empowerment, creating an environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their experiences. I work to avoid re-traumatization by pacing therapy, using grounding techniques, and focusing on strengths. This approach is essential for individuals who have experienced trauma, as it fosters resilience, supports emotional regulation, and helps clients rebuild a sense of control and self-worth throughout the healing process.