LCSW, 25 years of experience
New to Grow
My name is Laura Kohley, and I received my Doctorate in Social Work in 2023 from the University of Southern California and a Master’s in Social Work in 2000 from Simmons School of Social Work in Boston, MA. I have spent the past 25 years providing support to individuals with mental health and special health care needs, with an emphasis on cognitive-behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy. I have worked directly with children and adults dually diagnosed, along with caregivers, to provide a high quality of life while continuing to maintain their personal goals and ambitions. My experience includes writing and implementing behavioral support plans, as well as providing training to families and staff.
The first session will focus on building rapport, reviewing confidentiality, exploring the client’s concerns and history, assessing immediate needs, clarifying goals, and outlining a plan for future therapy.
My greatest strengths include my ability to meet a client where they are at, being culturally sensitive, using a trauma-informed lens, and being client-centered/strengths-based.
My ideal client is someone who has specific concerns (like anxiety or depression) who is motivated, open to exploring thoughts and behaviors, and willing to practice skills outside of sessions in a structured, goal-focused approach.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, evidence-based treatment that focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In practice, CBT is utilized to help clients identify unhelpful thinking patterns, challenge and reframe them, and develop healthier behaviors. Psychoeducation, skill-building, and homework are used in treatment to apply strategies in real-life situations. I have used CBT with clients suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, and other behavioral health concerns. It is collaborative and client-centered, time-limited, and equips clients with practical tools they can continue to use after therapy ends.
I have utilized family therapy as a counseling approach that focuses on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and strengthening relationships within the family system. It helps members understand how their interactions affect one another, addresses patterns that contribute to problems, and builds healthier ways of coping and supporting each other. It is often used for issues such as conflict, parenting challenges, mental health concerns, substance use, and life transitions.
I utilize strengths-based therapy that focuses on clients’ existing skills, resources, and resilience rather than problems or deficits. It empowers individuals to build on their strengths to overcome challenges, achieve goals, and enhance well-being.
Implementing mindfulness-based therapy has helped clients focus on the present moment with openness and acceptance, reducing stress and negative thinking patterns. It teaches awareness of thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations to improve coping, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.
I utilize motivational interviewing (MI) to create a collaborative counseling approach that helps clients explore and resolve ambivalence about change. It emphasizes empathy, active listening, and guiding clients to strengthen their own motivation and commitment to making positive life changes.