Lauren Hajisafari
Hi, I’m Lauren! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the owner of Ride the Wave Counseling. Thank you for being here! To be self-aware and recognize that you need help is a strength that should be acknowledged. Taking the next step and finding a therapist can feel nerve-wracking and uncomfortable, and while making the decision to start therapy can be hard, finding an approachable and empathetic therapist should not be. Although it’s my job to support and guide my clients through therapy, it’s my passion to empower them, encourage their growth, and help them work toward the goals that are important to them. By establishing a strong rapport and a safe environment, the therapeutic relationship becomes supportive, collaborative, and non-judgmental without effort. I want you to feel like you can show up as yourself and know that we are in this together!
Strengths
I think one of my biggest strengths is making people feel comfortable and like they can really be themselves with me. I’m supportive and understanding, but I’ll also be honest with you and challenge you when you need it. I love bringing humor and personality into sessions because therapy doesn’t always have to feel so serious or clinical. Some days we’ll work on tools or look at things from a different perspective, and other days you might just need to talk—and that’s okay too. At the end of the day, I want you to know that I’m in your corner and we’re figuring it out together.
Treatment methods
Strength-Based
Strengths-based therapy is one of my favorite approaches to use in sessions because I love finding what is already working for you and building on that. I think sometimes people assume therapy is all about focusing on what’s wrong or what needs to change, but I think it’s just as important to recognize the good. We’ll look at your strengths, what you’re already doing well, and what has helped you through difficult times, and use those things to help you continue to grow.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I use a person-centered approach by letting you take the lead in your sessions. I always tell my clients that you’re in the driver’s seat, and I’m in the passenger’s seat with the map. You know yourself and your experiences better than anyone, so I’m not here to tell you what to do. My role is to support you, help you explore different paths, and offer guidance along the way. We’ll move at your pace and focus on what feels most important to you while creating a space where you feel heard, supported, and free to be yourself without judgment.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT to help you understand the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. A lot of times, we can get stuck in certain ways of thinking without even realizing how much they’re affecting the way we feel or respond to situations. In sessions, we’ll work together to notice those patterns, challenge thoughts that may not be helping you, and find different ways to look at or handle situations. My goal isn’t to tell you that your thoughts or feelings are wrong, but to help you understand where they’re coming from and give you tools to respond in a way that feels healthier and more helpful for you.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Licensed in
- ConnecticutLicense 58.016825
- New JerseyLicense 44SC06064500