I'm an LMHC specializing in women’s mental health, though I work with individuals of all backgrounds, genders, and identities. With 15+ years in biotech/research, and experience as a Reiki Master, Polarity Practitioner, and licensed Massage Therapist, I blend science with holistic approaches to help clients manage stress, anxiety, depression, and recover from trauma. I believe mental health challenges often stem from external pressures, not personal fault. I create a safe space to uncover root causes, replace self-criticism with compassion, and turn evidence-based insights into a flexible path for sustainable growth. *Note: I work with adults, which means adult language may be used as part of open and honest dialogue.

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

Our sessions focus on connecting past influences with present challenges, so we can strengthen the voices that move us forward and address those that hold us back. In a non-judgmental space grounded in safety and curiosity, we’ll explore the deeper aspects of your story, uncovering how your experiences have shaped your nervous system and stress responses. This understanding will help you better manage your symptoms. With simple techniques and small steps, we’ll develop personalized coping strategies, reframe negative self-talk, and build self-compassion, equipping you with the tools to navigate future challenges with greater ease.

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

I provide a pathway to emotional relief and deeper self-understanding, helping clients overcome the barriers that block meaningful change and life satisfaction. By offering tools and insights to better manage our thoughts and emotional responses, I help clients alleviate the burden of unrealistic expectations and emotional exhaustion. I help clients see how generational patterns, societal influences, and family history shape their mental health challenges, reducing self-blame and empowering clients to build self-acceptance and a kinder inner voice. This helps clients regain balance and approach life with renewed clarity and resilience.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

Clients who work well with me are deeply committed to personal growth and healing. They are ready to face challenges, explore their inner world, and reflect on how early experiences and formative relationships have shaped their present struggles. They understand that therapy isn’t about quick fixes, but about creating meaningful, lasting change through small, intentional steps toward a more authentic and fulfilling life. These clients may have experienced anxiety, depression, childhood or adult trauma, grief, or relationship issues and often feel weighed down by societal pressures, stress, or unresolved wounds. Despite these challenges, they are determined to move beyond the conditioned patterns of criticism, judgment, shame, and blame, as well as unhealthy coping mechanisms, to embrace more effective and sustainable ways of being. Curious and open-minded, they value self-awareness and are eager to explore how early experiences and past relationships influence their current thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. They are drawn to an approach that balances scientific understanding with holistic practices to better understand how mental and emotional states impact their overall well-being. Their goal is to replace self-criticism with self-compassion and to build healthier, more fulfilling relationships with themselves and others. They appreciate learning how the brain, trauma, and stress responses shape their experiences, finding empowerment in this knowledge. With a collaborative mindset, they value a strong therapeutic partnership and a tailored, compassionate approach to healing.

About Laura Appleton

Appointments