New to Grow
I am Laquanda Autrey, M.A. in Counseling Psychology, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and trauma-informed practitioner dedicated to supporting individuals, families, and couples on their healing journey. I have a background in community mental health, social work, and holistic wellness, and I’ve spent my career working with children, adolescents, and adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relational challenges, grief, and stress. My approach to therapy is integrative and client-centered. I combine evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, person centered, systems theory, gestalt therapy, mindfulness, and somatic techniques with holistic healing modalities including Reiki and hypnotherapy. I believe in supporting the whole person mind, body, and spirit so healing can be deep, balanced, and sustainable. My work is guided by my faith in God, and I hold each session as a compassionate and sacred space where clients can feel safe, seen, and supported. I strive to meet people exactly where they are in their process, without judgment, and help them reconnect with their authentic selves while working through pain and life challenges. Clients often describe me as warm, collaborative, and deeply empathetic, while also appreciating my directness and ability to support accountability and real change. At the heart of my work is a passion for helping people heal from childhood and relational trauma, rebuild self-worth, and create healthier, more connected lives.
In our first session, my goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where you can begin to feel comfortable sharing your story at your own pace. There is no pressure to share everything at once this time is about getting to know you and what brings you to therapy. We will talk about what’s been going on in your life, what challenges you’re currently facing, and what you hope to get out of therapy. I may also ask some questions about your background, relationships, and overall well-being to better understand your experiences and how I can best support you. This session is also an opportunity for you to get a feel for my approach and decide if I am the right fit for you. I encourage questions, and I want you to feel empowered in this process therapy is a collaborative space, and your voice matters. By the end of our first session, we will begin identifying initial goals and discuss what ongoing support may look like. Most importantly, I want you to leave feeling heard, supported, and more at ease about taking this next step in your healing journey.
My greatest strength as a therapist is my ability to meet clients with both deep compassion and grounded clinical insight while supporting healing on a mind, body, and spirit level. I am able to hold space for complex emotional pain without judgment, while also helping clients make sense of their experiences in a way that feels clear, empowering, and actionable. What sets my approach apart is my integrative style. I combine evidence-based clinical modalities such as CBT, psychodynamic therapy, systems theory, gestalt, mindfulness, and somatic interventions with holistic practices like Reiki and hypnotherapy. This allows me to support healing not only through insight and emotional processing, but also through nervous system regulation, self-awareness, and energetic balance. My background in community mental health and social work has given me extensive experience working with high-need populations, trauma survivors, and individuals navigating layered life challenges. Because of this, I am comfortable sitting with complexity, intensity, and long-standing patterns, while still helping clients move toward change at a pace that feels safe and sustainable. Clients often tell me they feel both deeply seen and gently challenged in our work together. I believe healing happens when there is both safety and accountability, and I intentionally create a therapeutic space that fosters both. At the core of my work is my ability to connect authentically, and professionally with people in a way that helps them feel understood, supported, and capable of transformation.
My ideal clients are adolescents and adults navigating trauma, anxiety, life transitions, or emotional overwhelm. They may feel stuck, disconnected, or seeking deeper healing and self-understanding. They are open to personal growth and benefit from a supportive, trauma-informed, holistic approach that integrates emotional, behavioral, and mind-body techniques to help them feel more balanced, empowered, and aligned in their lives daily.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT to help you understand how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are connected. Together, we identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck and work to shift them into healthier, more supportive ways of thinking. In our sessions, this may look like: -Identifying negative or intrusive thoughts -Learning how to reframe those thoughts -Building healthier coping strategies ~This approach is especially helpful for anxiety, depression, and stress.
Trauma Informed Care
My work is grounded in trauma-informed care, which means I create a safe, supportive space where you feel seen, heard, and respected—without judgment or pressure. I understand how past experiences can impact your present, and I move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. In our sessions, this may look like: -Exploring past experiences gently and safely -Building emotional safety and trust -Learning grounding and regulation techniques ~ You are always in control of your healing process.
Attachment-based
I help you understand how your early relationships impact how you connect with others today especially in trust, communication, and emotional safety.
Couples Counseling
I help couples improve communication, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional connection.
Psychodynamic
We explore how your past experiences and early relationships may be shaping your current thoughts, emotions, and behaviors—so you can better understand yourself and create change.