Laura Garza
Hi, I'm Laura, and I help individuals struggling with trauma, anxiety, substance use, and depression. I provide a safe space to get started working on things that feel difficult and messy. I have specialized experience treating trauma, substance use, and those involved in car accidents or struggling with TBIs and chronic pain. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Board-Approved Supervisor in Texas and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Minnesota and Alabama, with over 8 years of experience. In addition to my clinical practice, I serve as a Master of Social Work (MSW) professor, which allows me to stay connected to current research and best practices for my clients.
First session
My first session is like a big "get to know you" type of meeting. I'm going to review the ins and outs of therapy and what it will look like so you feel comfortable with the process, and then I want to hear about you and why you're here. During the first session, I like to ask a lot of questions (at your pace and as you are comfortable answering) to gain insight into the problems you're facing, what support looks like, history of problems, what's worked in the past, what your goals and expectations are for treatment, etc. This helps us develop a treatment plan together with goals you are ready to work toward. Therapy is a collaborative process, and I want you to be involved in goal-setting to ensure we can work toward these goals. By the end of the session, my hope is that you feel heard and understood, have a clear idea of what therapy will look and feel like, feel you have a safe place in the therapy room to discuss life's challenges (and wins), and understand your goals for treatment. From there, we're going to hit the ground running to start working towards those goals (with the flexibility to adjust as you continue to grow).
Strengths
My work focuses on helping clients navigate life's difficulties. I became a therapist after experiencing the positive effects of therapy myself (I even dropped out of law school to pursue this career and have never looked back!). I am direct but approachable, warm, and welcoming, helping you gain insight into your concerns and work through the challenges you may be facing. Therapy with me is a safe place to process everything going on in your life without judgment. My goal is to be flexible and meet you where you are, because let's be real: life is what happens when we're busy living it, and the original goals you might have had when you entered therapy may have shifted.
Ideal clients
I enjoy working with clients who are open, vulnerable, and ready to talk about the messy stuff that life brings (even if it takes some time to feel comfortable with this). Those who are struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, and/or just feeling overwhelmed with everything going on in the world are safe here! I love when clients feel like they don't have to "perform" in therapy and can just be themselves and discuss how they're really feeling. I especially love working with clients who are new to therapy because I totally get what that is like, and I love seeing the change that happens over time.
Treatment methods
EMDR
I use EMDR to help people work through experiences that still feel “stuck” or continue to affect them in the present. It can help your brain process difficult experiences (like trauma) so they don’t feel quite as overwhelming or emotionally charged. We go at your pace, and you’re always in control of what we work on. I use EMDR alongside other approaches, depending on what you need and what feels like the best fit for you.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT to help you understand the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Sometimes the way we think about a situation can make things feel even harder, so we work on identifying those patterns and finding more helpful ways to respond. It’s not about forcing yourself to “think positive” or pretending everything is fine. It’s about understanding what’s happening and giving you tools that actually help in everyday life.
Motivational Interviewing
I use Motivational Interviewing to help you figure out what you actually want, rather than telling you what you should do. We’ll explore what’s getting in the way, what matters to you, and what might help you move toward the changes you want to make. There’s no judgment or pressure to have everything figured out right away. Sometimes you just need a little space to work through the “I know I need to change, but…” part.
Trauma Informed Care
I use a trauma-informed approach by recognizing that your past experiences can shape how you feel, think, and respond in the present. That means I focus on creating a space where you feel safe, heard, and in control of your own treatment. I’m not here to push you to talk about things before you’re ready. We’ll work at your pace as you're ready and focus on what feels helpful and manageable for you.
Location
Virtual sessions