My name is Laura and I graduated from The Ohio State University in 2016 with my Master's degree in Social Work. I've worked with multiple populations including adults with severe mental illness with comorbid addiction issues, adults and adolescents with acute trauma, adults with anxiety and depression, the geriatric population and crisis intervention. My passion lies working with people in a clinical setting, long term. Have you found yourself struggling to manage daily activities? Are you feeling overwhelmed by constant pressure in your life? Sometimes we feel like things are going well and then we hit a wall out of nowhere. Maybe you’re struggling with anxiety and trying to figure out how to cope with it or the depression is getting worse and you're having a hard time getting out of bed. Please remember, you are not alone. Since the pandemic started in 2020, we’re all working to find our new “normal,” whatever that may look like. I believe in treating the whole person and will gladly help guide you along this path. I am committed to seeing you succeed and live your best life!
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During the initial assessment, I will ask questions about what your goals are for therapy and what you would like to see moving forward. The first couple of sessions will be getting to know each other better and getting a better understanding of your history. After we have finished this part, this is where we get into the nitty gritty and decide what treatment modality we are going to work with. I always work in collaboration with you as this is a team effort!
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I have worked in various types of settings including community-based settings, residential, and in a hospital setting. I have been trained in multiple treatment modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, Mindfulness, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and many others.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I have worked with people who have experienced severe trauma and abuse, people who are in the midst of mental health crises, severe mental illness and those with substance use issues. I have experience with the LGBTQ community, adolescents, mental illness ranging from generalized anxiety disorder to schizophrenia and personality disorders.
About Laura Brennstuhl
Laura Brennstuhl offers therapy covered by Health Plan of San Joaquin - Medi-Cal in California.