(she/her)
Hi, and welcome to First Step Therapy. I understand how hard it can be to take that first step toward healing and you don’t have to do it alone. I offer compassionate, trauma-informed therapy for adults dealing with anxiety, past experiences, and life challenges. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to your unique needs, drawing from evidence-based methods like CBT, DBT, and attachment theory. I’m here to provide a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and understood. Together, we’ll work toward healing and meaningful personal growth.
In our first session, we’ll take time to get to know each other and understand your unique story and what brought you to therapy. I’ll ask about your goals, challenges, and any concerns you have, so we can start building a personalized plan that fits your needs. This session is a safe, judgment-free space for you to share at your own pace, and I’ll be here to listen, support, and answer any questions you may have about the therapy process.
My greatest strengths lie in creating a warm, empathetic, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel truly heard and understood. I tailor my approach to each individual by integrating evidence-based methods like CBT and DBT, which helps clients develop practical skills to manage emotions and navigate life’s challenges. This personalized, compassionate approach empowers clients to make meaningful, lasting changes at their own pace.
I work best with clients who feel overwhelmed by their emotions and want to better understand themselves. Many of the people I support struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, or a strong inner critic that leaves them feeling stuck or not “good enough.” My ideal client may appear to be functioning well on the outside but internally experiences overthinking, self-doubt, or emotional exhaustion. You might find yourself being hard on yourself, feeling like a burden, or getting caught in cycles of negative thinking. Even if these patterns have been present for a long time, you’re open to exploring them and making changes. I also work well with clients who are starting to recognize how past experiences impact their current emotions, self-worth, and relationships. You don’t need to have everything figured out but instead have the willingness to be curious and show up. In our work together, we focus on increasing awareness, shifting unhelpful thought patterns, and building a more compassionate relationship with yourself. Using CBT and trauma-informed approaches, I help clients navigate difficult emotions, challenge negative self-talk, and develop healthier coping strategies. If you’re looking for a supportive space to process, grow, and feel more grounded, we may be a good fit.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have extensive experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and often integrate it into my practice to help clients identify and reframe unhelpful thought patterns. I use CBT to support clients in developing healthier coping strategies, improving emotional regulation, and promoting behavior change. Sessions are structured and goal-oriented, with practical tools clients can apply in their daily lives.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I incorporate DBT techniques into my practice, particularly when working with clients who struggle with emotion regulation, interpersonal difficulties, or distress tolerance. My approach includes teaching core DBT skills mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness to help clients manage intense emotions and build more stable, fulfilling relationships. I adapt these tools to each client’s unique needs, offering both structure and flexibility in the therapeutic process.
Eclectic
I use an eclectic approach in my practice, drawing from various evidence-based therapies such as CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, and person-centered approaches, depending on the client’s unique needs and goals. This flexibility allows me to tailor treatment to best support each individual, integrating techniques that resonate most with their experiences and preferences.
Narrative
I incorporate Narrative Therapy to help clients explore and re-author the stories they tell about themselves and their experiences. This approach empowers clients to separate themselves from their problems, recognize their strengths, and create more meaningful, empowering narratives. I find it especially effective in fostering self-awareness, resilience, and personal agency.
Trauma-Focused CBT
I use Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) with adult clients to help them process and heal from trauma in a structured yet compassionate manner. My approach is grounded in trauma-informed care principles and ensuring emotional safety, collaboration, and empowerment throughout the therapeutic process. I incorporate psychoeducation, development of emotional regulation and coping skills, cognitive restructuring, and gradual exposure techniques to help clients reduce trauma-related symptoms and shift unhelpful core beliefs. This method supports clients in reclaiming a sense of control, rebuilding trust in themselves, and integrating their experiences without being overwhelmed by them.
2 ratings with written reviews
March 19, 2026
My first therapy session with Laura was awesome! I felt comfortable, understood and at ease with sharing. Once I finished my session my thought process improved. I look forward to continuing my therapy journey with Laura. I highly recommend her!
January 10, 2026
Laura is very welcoming and holistic. During my first session, she made sure that I felt comfortable. I love that she takes a holistic view on perspectives and incorporates my goals into our sessions.