(she/her)
New to Grow
Welcome. My name is Lubenji Laforest, and I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and the founder of Trauma to Hope Counseling Services. Trauma to Hope Counseling Services provides compassionate, trauma-informed therapy for children, teens, adults, couples, and families throughout Massachusetts. The practice is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients can explore challenges, build on their strengths, and work toward meaningful change. Using evidence-based approaches tailored to each individual's needs, treatment focuses on helping clients heal from past experiences, improve emotional well-being, strengthen relationships, and develop practical tools to navigate life's challenges with confidence and resilience.
The first session is an opportunity to get to know one another and begin building a comfortable therapeutic relationship. Clients can expect a supportive, nonjudgmental conversation about what brings them to therapy, their current concerns, personal history, strengths, and treatment goals. There is no pressure to share everything at once. The first session moves at a comfortable pace and focuses on understanding each client's unique experiences and needs. Together, initial goals will be identified, questions about the therapy process can be addressed, and a plan will be developed for moving forward. The goal is for clients to leave feeling heard and supported, with a clearer understanding of how therapy can help.
A warm, compassionate, and collaborative approach is at the heart of every session. Clients are met with empathy, respect, and genuine curiosity, creating a space where they can feel safe discussing difficult experiences without fear of judgment. Building a strong therapeutic relationship is a priority, as meaningful change often begins when clients feel understood and supported. Treatment is tailored to each individual's unique needs, strengths, and goals rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. Drawing on a variety of evidence-based therapies, including trauma-informed care, EMDR, CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches, sessions are tailored to help clients develop practical skills while addressing deeper emotional concerns. A particular strength is helping clients recognize their resilience, build on existing strengths, and move from surviving to thriving. Therapy focuses not only on symptom relief but also on fostering lasting growth, healthier relationships, greater self-awareness, and an increased sense of hope for the future.
I work with children, teens, adults, couples, and families who are seeking support through life's challenges and transitions. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, stress, relationship difficulties, trauma, grief, low self-esteem, or major life changes. Some may feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve them, while others are looking for practical tools to manage emotions better, improve relationships, and create lasting change. I am particularly passionate about working with individuals who have experienced difficult or traumatic life events and are ready to begin their healing journey. Whether you are struggling with the impact of childhood experiences, relationship challenges, emotional abuse, loss, or ongoing stress, therapy can provide a safe space to process your experiences and move forward with greater confidence and resilience. My approach is warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. I believe that every person has strengths, even when they may be difficult to recognize during challenging times. Together, we will build on those strengths while developing practical strategies to help you reach your goals. I strive to create an environment where you feel heard, respected, and supported throughout the therapeutic process. My ideal clients are those who are open to self-exploration and personal growth, whether they are taking their first step into therapy or returning after previous experiences. You do not need to have everything figured out before starting. If you are looking for a compassionate therapist who will meet you where you are, help you gain insight, and support you in creating meaningful change, I would be honored to be part of your journey.
I identify as
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT helps you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence one another. Together, we will identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck and develop practical tools to help you cope more effectively. Using a trauma-informed approach, we move at a pace that feels comfortable while building skills to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and life's challenges.
EMDR
EMDR is a therapy approach that helps the brain process and heal from difficult or traumatic experiences. Rather than reliving painful events in detail, we work together to reduce the emotional impact of past experiences so they no longer feel as overwhelming in the present. EMDR can help improve emotional well-being, confidence, and daily functioning.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness helps you become more aware of your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment. Through simple techniques and practical exercises, you can learn to manage stress, improve emotional balance, and stay more present in your daily life.
Strength-Based
Strengths-Based Therapy focuses on identifying and building upon your existing abilities, resilience, and resources. Rather than focusing solely on problems, we work together to recognize your strengths and use them as a foundation for growth and positive change.
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma-Informed Care recognizes that past experiences can have a lasting impact on emotional, physical, and relational well-being. Therapy is provided in a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment where your experiences are respected, your pace is honored, and healing is approached with compassion and understanding.