Hi, I’m Laurel. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and trained expressive art therapist based in California. I received my Master’s in Counseling Psychology and Drama Therapy in 2018. My approach is relational, person-centered and strength based. My calling is spiritual and grounded in the belief that everyone who is willing can find positive and affirming changes in their life when they apply effort and they have the right support. I help young adults, teenagers and preteens (12+) with stress management/coping skills, identity struggles, peer relationships and life transitions.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session together, we’ll go over some therapy basics and then focus on the goals you have for therapy and the struggles that brought you to it. If you filled out the intake or assessment forms before the first session, we may review those as well. All consent forms MUST be completed prior to our first intake session in compliance with ethical best practices.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Having worked within multiple community settings before and after becoming licensed, I am able to appreciate how different environments can cause trauma, exacerbate mental health struggles and behavioral symptoms . That knowledge is essential to providing a responsive, holistic approach. I also believe very strongly in the far reaching influence of culture and I have conducted a practice of cultural humility since the very start of my career.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I love working with BIPOC clients of all ages who feel connected to the process of art making or are open to trying it. I also love working with young adults, preteens (12+) and teenagers. Currently, my clients are open to coming to therapy, able to maintain their own persona safety, motivated to explore skill building and their lived experience even if they have no idea where to start. They often come to therapy feeling anxious or depressed about various chronic stressors and responsibilities in school/work or community, are exhausted with people pleasing or the expectations of others and are hoping to have some time each week to work with someone who is wholeheartedly in their corner.
About Laurel Elliott
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I gravitated to person-centered, creative arts therapy as deeply a spiritual calling. Years before becoming licensed, I provided a compassionate positive regard for BIPOC children ( aged 10 and older) , adolescents and young adults seeking empathy, understanding, hope and safety in a supportive alliance. As a telehealth therapist, I look forwarding to helping you find creativity in your challenges, self-compassion with your struggles and celebration with each step you take towards understanding and becoming a better you.
Eclectic
An eclectic approach to therapy allows for the most creativity in being truly centered on your current needs as well as the goals that brought you to therapy. I have applied guidance from evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. As an Drama Therapist, I draw from different modalities such as Strength-based therapy, Liberation Psychology, Mindfulness, Experiential therapy and Gestalt therapy techniques to create a collaborative and holistic experience where you can feel empowered explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviors.