Laura Carrillo
Laura Carrillo
(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.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
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.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
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.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My ideal clients are adults who are ready to explore their emotions, process past experiences, and develop healthier ways of coping. They may be dealing with anxiety, trauma, or life transitions and are looking for a safe, supportive space to feel heard and understood. I work best with individuals who are open to growth and committed to making positive changes at their own pace.
About Laura Carrillo
I identify as
Specialties
Serves ages
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
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.