I believe in therapy as someone who has done my own clinical work since I was in my mid-twenties. I grew up in NJ and moved to Michigan to attend college and have been here since that time. I spent the first part of my career working in the foster care system with children and adolescents which I really enjoyed. That gave me a great foundation for working with the adult issues of attachment, child developmental stages that were not accomplished and struggles with current relationships. I do a lot of work with people who were raised by narcissistic parents, people who are dealing with cancer diagnosis and those with chronic or life threatening illnesses. I work with people who are addressing childhood trauma, sexual abuse or emotional abuse. I have worked with adoptees who are seeking understanding of themselves and their past. I do a lot of work with individuals transitioning from a divorce situation and all the adjustments that this involves especially in coparenting situations. I find people and their life experiences fascinating and always worth unpacking and investigating to gain a better understanding of the self as a whole being; there is always something new to learn.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

I primarily want to gain insights into what is bringing you to therapy, some basic family history and what you are seeking for yourself while also building a rapport that provides you with comfort and ease so that you will desire to continue this therapeutic process. I will answer questions you have about me or the process we are about to engage in. I also encourage patients to allow themselves to think about whether I am the right fit for them and I provide a scenario for them to choose to work with someone else. Therapy is about you, not me, so getting the therapist you have great rapport with and can talk about difficult things with is crucial.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

My greatest strength is that I have done my own therapy for over 20 years. A large percentage of therapists do not get their own therapy which I know is surprising to read, yet should be a factor in your selection of a therapist. My own subconscious thoughts, fears and beliefs should not interfere with your treatment and I continue to work to address any counter transference in supervision in addition to my own therapy. My schooling of course was helpful in affirming my experience as a patient while also increasing my knowledge of interventions and treatment modalities. My own life experiences, work experiences and the personal clinical work I have done to understand myself, my subconscious initiatives and beliefs, has allowed me to truly understand what it is like to sit across from a therapist and face the challenges of self-reflection, desire for change and management of my relationships.

About Laura Hockenberry