(she/her)
New to Grow
Hi, I'm Dr. Lauren! I have over 10 years of clinical experience working primarily with children, adolescents, and young adults with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and selective mutism. I earned my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from La Salle University in Philadelphia. After completing a neuropsychology fellowship at the Massachusetts General Hospital Lurie Center for Autism during the COVID-19 pandemic, I knew I wanted to return home to Philly. I went on to complete a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at the Center for Autism Research at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, where I later worked as a staff psychologist for nearly four years. I'm now excited to bring this experience to my own private practice, where I can focus on providing thoughtful, evidence-based care tailored to each individual and family. In my free time, I enjoy singing, playing golf, going out to eat, and spending time with my fiancé and 4-year-old rescue chihuahua-mix, Nugget.
Our first session will be an “intake” session, where I’ll ask you some questions to get to know you and better understand what is bringing you (or your child) to therapy at this time, as well as your goals for our work together. It’s completely okay if you are not sure what your goals are yet or do not know what to expect from therapy - we can figure that out together. I’ll also ask about relevant history, including developmental, medical, educational, and family background, to get a comprehensive picture of your experiences. This session is also an opportunity for you to ask questions, share any concerns, and begin to get a sense of whether working together feels like a good fit. At the end of the intake, we’ll discuss next steps, including recommendations for treatment.
My approach to therapy is strongly shaped by my training and experience at major children’s hospitals, where I worked in both clinical and research settings. I bring an evidence-based, developmentally informed perspective to my work with children, teens, and young adults, while also helping parents feel more confident and supported in navigating their child’s needs. I have a high level of expertise in autism, neurodevelopmental conditions, and anxiety, and a strong understanding of the nuances of different diagnoses and how to tailor treatment in a way that truly fits each individual. I also come to therapy with a background in comprehensive assessment, including psychoeducational testing and developmental assessment. Although my current focus is on providing therapy, I think through cases with that “assessment lens” - looking at patterns, underlying factors, and progress over time in a thoughtful, data-informed way. This helps me create treatment plans that are targeted, flexible, and responsive. In the future, I aim to incorporate diagnostic and psychoeducational testing back into my practice as I grow into a brick-and-mortar space.
Throughout my training and early career, I’ve worked with individuals across the lifespan - from as young as 12 months through 65 years. I currently provide Telehealth therapy for a range of presenting concerns and intervention goals: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), including strategies to improve organizational and executive functioning skills autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including social skills training and preparing for the transition post-high school caregiving stress cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) coping with life stressors and/or life transitions depression and low self-esteem emotion dysregulation and behavior management strategies exposure and response prevention for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) exposure therapy for social anxiety and specific phobias generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) motivational interviewing parenting a child with high support needs parent management training selective mutism I tailor treatment to the unique needs of each individual, child, and family. I additionally enjoy working closely with parents and caregivers, offering practical, individualized strategies to support behavior at home and in the community, helping families navigate school-related challenges, and providing guidance around the special education system, including IEPs and 504 plans, and additional therapeutic support needs (ABA, occupational, physical, speech-language therapies).
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
My training is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Behavioral Therapy approaches. CBT is an evidence-based approach that focuses on the connection between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It helps clients identify unhelpful thinking patterns—such as catastrophizing or "all-or-nothing" thinking—and understand how these patterns influence our mood and actions. By learning to challenge and reframe these thoughts, and by gradually changing behaviors, clients can experience meaningful improvements in how they feel and function. CBT is especially effective for concerns like anxiety, depression, and stress. It is appropriate for children, teens, and adults of all ages! Finally, clients learn practical, skills-based tools that they can continue to use long after therapy ends. Behavior therapy is another evidence-based approach I use with individuals with autism and ADHD, as well as children and teens with anxiety. It is a practical, skill-based approach that helps individuals and families build tools for everyday life. Rather than just talking about challenges, behavior therapy approaches involve strengthening helpful behaviors, reducing behaviors that interfere with daily functioning, improving organization and follow-through (and many other executive functioning skills!), and supporting emotional regulation. This approach is collaborative and tailored, helping clients (and families) develop strategies that feel doable and sustainable.
Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation is an important component of many types of therapy! It refers to the process of helping clients understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors - and diagnoses - in a clear, accessible way. This might include learning about what autism or ADHD actually is, how anxiety or depression affects the body, or how different coping strategies actually work. By increasing insight and normalizing experiences, psychoeducation empowers clients to feel more in control and engaged in the therapeutic process. This lays the foundation for true understanding and meaningful change!
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational interviewing is a collaborative, client-centered approach that helps individuals explore and strengthen their own motivation for change. Rather than directing, persuading, or "giving advice," the therapist works to understand the client’s perspective, gently guiding them to identify their own reasons for change and resolve ambivalence. This approach is especially helpful when someone feels stuck, uncertain, or pulled in different directions about making a change. Through open-ended questions, reflective listening, and a nonjudgmental stance, motivational interviewing builds confidence and autonomy, allowing clients to move toward change in a way that feels authentic and self-driven.