(she/her)
New to Grow
Hello, I’m Lauren, and I have been dedicated to the field of therapy and mental health since 2021, building on my experience in the public health sector that dates back to 2017. With a background in gerontology and public health, I bring a comprehensive perspective to my practice, integrating insights from public health into my approach to mental health treatment. I hold a Master’s in Social Work, which equips me with the tools to effectively address and treat various mental health conditions, helping clients navigate their challenges and improve their overall well-being. I am truly passionate about my work and believe that the field of mental health is innovative, supportive, and transformative. My enthusiasm for therapy is evident in the way I engage with my clients, as I strive to create a nurturing environment that fosters growth and healing. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy spending time outdoors, love animals, and trying new creative activities. This holistic approach to life and well-being informs my therapy and enriches the collaborative journey I take with my clients.
In our first session, you can expect a warm and welcoming environment focused on collaboration and connection. I prioritize getting to know you, your unique struggles, life experiences, and personal history. This understanding is essential in crafting a tailored plan that addresses your specific needs and goals. I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is the cornerstone of effective therapy; the better I understand your life experiences, the more effectively I can support you in your journey toward improved well-being. Together, we will explore the areas you seek to work on, setting the foundation for a trusting and productive partnership as we move forward in your therapeutic journey.
My greatest strengths lie in my collaborative approach and commitment to personalized care. I thrive on working closely with my clients, understanding their unique needs, and tailoring my therapeutic interventions accordingly. Currently specializing in addiction and eating disorders, I draw from a diverse range of modalities, including Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Brainspotting, among others. What truly sets me apart is my relentless thirst for knowledge and ongoing education in the field. This dedication to continuous learning enables me to stay current with the latest developments and best practices in therapy, enhancing my ability to support you effectively. With a wealth of experience to draw upon, I am here to help you improve your outcomes and overall well-being while fostering a supportive and engaging therapeutic relationship.
As a therapist dedicated to growth and healing, I am passionate about serving individuals aged 18 and beyond, including young adults and seniors. I thrive on working with clients navigating life transitions, mental health challenges, grief, and loss. My specialties lie in addiction, trauma, and eating disorder recovery, where I utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities tailored to each client’s unique needs. I believe in fostering a collaborative therapeutic relationship, where we work together to strengthen your resilience from the inside out. Regardless of your experience level in therapy—whether you are just beginning your journey or are seasoned in the process—I am committed to providing the support you need to navigate your challenges and reach your goals. My aim is to improve your overall well-being by creating a safe and nurturing environment that empowers you to explore and grow. Together, we can work towards a brighter, more fulfilling future.
Brainspotting
Brainspotting is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals process and overcome trauma, emotional distress, and psychological blocks. Developed by Dr. David Grand, it is based on the observation that where we look affects how we feel. During a session, a therapist guides clients to focus on specific eye positions, called "brainspots," which are believed to be linked to unprocessed memories or emotions in the brain. This eye position is then combined with mindful awareness, allowing the client to access deeper levels of the brain where emotional healing can occur. Brainspotting is used for various issues, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and performance enhancement, and is valued for its ability to promote healing by tapping into the brain's innate self-regulation process.
Attachment-based
Attachment-based therapy focuses on the crucial role that early relationships play in shaping our emotional and psychological well-being. By exploring attachment styles established in childhood, clients gain insight into how these patterns affect their current relationships. One of the main benefits is the enhancement of relationship skills. Clients learn to transition from insecure attachment styles to more secure and trusting connections, leading to deeper intimacy and satisfaction. Additionally, this therapy improves emotional regulation, allowing individuals to manage anxiety and depression more effectively by understanding their emotional responses. The process also fosters increased self-awareness, helping clients understand how past experiences shape their current behaviors. For those dealing with unresolved trauma, attachment-based therapy offers a path to healing by addressing and integrating these wounds. Lastly, it strengthens family dynamics through better communication and understanding, promoting a supportive environment for growth. Overall, attachment-based therapy serves as a transformative journey toward healthier relationships and emotional well-being.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a powerful therapeutic approach that emphasizes psychological flexibility and mindfulness. In ACT, clients learn to accept their thoughts and feelings, rather than fighting or avoiding them. This acceptance paves the way for individuals to commit to values-based actions that enrich their lives. The therapy guides clients in identifying what truly matters to them, fostering a sense of purpose and direction. By combining mindfulness techniques with commitment strategies, ACT encourages individuals to engage fully with the present moment, even in the face of challenges. This process helps to reduce the impact of negative thoughts and feelings, empowering clients to live more authentically and meaningfully. Through ACT, individuals can cultivate a greater sense of self-awareness, resilience, and emotional well-being, making it a transformative journey toward a fulfilling life.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a focused and goal-oriented therapeutic approach that helps individuals understand and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors contributing to their challenges. In the context of my practice, where I specialize in eating disorders, addiction, trauma, and mental health, CBT plays a crucial role in fostering healing and recovery. By exploring the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, clients learn to identify distorted thinking and develop healthier cognitive patterns. This process is particularly beneficial for those struggling with eating disorders and addiction, as it empowers individuals to challenge harmful beliefs and behaviors associated with these issues. Through structured sessions, clients gain practical tools and strategies to manage cravings, reduce anxiety, and enhance emotional regulation. Furthermore, CBT is effective in addressing trauma by helping individuals reframe their experiences and develop coping mechanisms that promote resilience. This therapy encourages clients to confront their thoughts and feelings in a safe environment, enabling them to process and heal from past traumas. Overall, CBT is a transformative approach that equips clients with the skills to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. By integrating evidence-based techniques with a compassionate understanding of each client’s unique journey, I strive to create a supportive space where individuals can thrive and achieve lasting change.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic modality that recognizes the complex inner workings of the mind, viewing it as composed of various "parts" or sub-personalities, each with its own thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. In my practice, specializing in trauma, addiction, PTSD, mental health issues, and life transitions, IFS provides a compassionate framework for clients to explore their inner landscape. This approach helps individuals identify and understand their different parts, including those linked to pain, fear, or shame, often stemming from past experiences. By fostering a dialogue between these parts and the core Self, clients can develop greater self-awareness and healing. IFS encourages self-compassion and understanding, allowing clients to unburden their challenging emotions and integrate their experiences. Through this process, clients learn to navigate their internal conflicts, ultimately leading to improved emotional regulation and healthier coping strategies. IFS empowers individuals to embrace their whole selves, facilitating personal growth and resilience during difficult life transitions and in overcoming the effects of trauma and addiction.