Rated 4.7 stars out of 5, 53 ratings

Laura Shames

LCSW, 30 years of experience

Empowering
Authentic
Warm

About me

I’m here to honor you and your life, listen with my heart, guide with my wisdom, and support you as you need. As a team, we will create a life filled with happiness, joy, love, and purpose for you. Throughout my 30 years of therapy, I have helped hundreds of clients and have learned many ways of helping you make the changes you have been hoping for.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Many clients have told me that I put them at ease right away and that they feel safe with me. I will ask questions that will help me begin to know you and your life’s story at your pace. Together, we will start to define your hopes and goals.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

Clients have shared with me that I’m an incredible listener. They feel authentically cared about and are so grateful that I helped them change their lives.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I am deeply passionate about working with clients aged 18 to 100 who struggle with anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues. Many of my clients have dedicated their lives to nurturing and supporting others, often at the expense of their own well-being. Now is your time to embrace self-care and reclaim your personal narrative. I provide comprehensive tools and unwavering support to help guide you toward a vibrant and fulfilling life. Together, we can unlock your potential for transformation and foster a renewed sense of purpose and joy.

Specialties

Top specialties

Other specialties

Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)Self Esteem

I identify as

Serves ages

My treatment methods

Compassion Focused

We all face challenges as we navigate life’s journey. Compassion-focused therapy is a valuable approach for individuals dealing with feelings of shame and self-criticism. It has become one of the most effective tools I’ve used to alleviate emotional pain, develop better mood regulation strategies, and foster healthier relationships. I have seen hundreds of my clients grow and progress on their paths.

Strength-Based

I believe in highlighting a client’s incredible qualities, which are often overlooked due to years of poor treatment from both chosen and unchosen companions.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

We need to move from simply reacting to being curious and aware of our surroundings, which allows us to decide whether or not to respond.

Location

Virtual

Licensed in

Rated 4.7 stars out of 5, 53 ratings

6 ratings with written reviews

July 16, 2025

She has been successful in empowering me to look deeper into myself and acknowledging the truth to the questions that have "haunted" me, of sorts, and allowing me to understand those questions and fears have stunted my growth because I have given them so much power over my life and ... poof ... in speaking with Laura, I am able, through HER questionings, to discover how really powerless they are in and to my life. Thank you, Laura.

Verified client, age 65+

Review shared after session 17 with Laura

June 27, 2025

Laura is an incredible therapist and an absolute pleasure to work with. She leads with authenticity and kindness, making the process of working on myself feel more approachable, rewarding, and even fun, which I never thought was possible.

Verified client, age 25-34

Review shared after session 37 with Laura

June 2, 2025

I really appreciate how she listens to what I say, validates what i'm doing, and makes suggestions if needed. I feel understood.

Verified client, age 65+

Review shared after session 44 with Laura