Laura Waldrop
I’m Laura Waldrop, LCSW, LISW, the owner of Healing Hearts Child & Family Counseling, PLLC. I’m a former school social worker with nearly 10 years of experience supporting children and families in schools, and I provide in-person and tele-health therapy to clients in Illinois and Iowa. I specialize in child and adolescent therapy, using play-based strategies that help children feel safe, understood, and connected. I also support parents and caregivers with co-regulation, attachment and attunement strategies they can use at home. My goal is not only to help a child cope, but to help the whole family feel more connected, supported, and equipped. With adolescents and adults, I provide a safe space to explore what you're carrying, build healthier coping skills, and reconnect with yourself and what matters most. I know reaching out isn't always easy. I create a calm space where all ages can be themselves, feel heard, and be given the space to work through the hard things that brought you in the door. Whatever season you're in, I am here to help you get through it.
First session
The first session is just a starting point. After an initial intake appointment, we will get back together and take a look at what hard things may have brought you in, what concerns you may have and what you hope to get out of therapy. We can even throw in some mindfulness, coloring and breathing exercises if those are within your comfort level. I also love to have a wide array of fidgets on hand for anyone who likes to keep their hands busy while talking. If your child is going to attend therapy, I will have you (their parent/caregiver) come to do the initial intake appointment without your child present. When your child first comes to my office, I will spend time helping them feel comfortable and safe, and of course encouraging play. We may need a few sessions to develop rapport and a sense of felt safety in your child, but in the meantime, I have a comfortable space set up for play and art therapy strategies that will help build their comfort level.
Strengths
My goal is to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered. Whether working with your child, your teen, or you, I believe in your capacity for growth and healing - and I'm honored to be part of your journey. I also find it very important to provide support for parents with tools and insight to help their child at home. As a former school social worker, I understand how important it is for kids to feel safe and understood. I create a safe space where they can feel accepted and build coping skills and confidence. Children don’t always have the words to tell us what they’re feeling. Sometimes emotions show up through play, behavior, withdrawal, shutdowns, school stress, or reactions that feel bigger than the moment. Watching your child struggle can feel overwhelming and lonely, especially when nothing seems to help. It’s hard to know what to do or how to support them. We can work together to help you feel more grounded, understand your emotions and build coping skills and confidence. You don’t have to figure it out on your own. I'm here to walk alongside you through the hard seasons.
Ideal clients
My best fit adult clients are those who are walking through a difficult life stage or are experiencing stress, burnout, overwhelm, grief, and having difficulty coping. I have so much empathy and positive regard for parents, caregivers and educators. I also work with adolescents who are experiencing school stress, social difficulties, anxiety/depression, behavioral challenges, or family changes. I offer support and a safe space to help them with their relationships, emotional growth, self-esteem and resilience. I work best with children who need help expressing their thoughts and feelings through play rather than with words alone, as is typical with most children. Young people who are carrying worry, trauma, grief, or exhibiting behavioral challenges at home or school are my niche. Together with their parent/caregiver, we will find healthy coping and problem-solving skills that will benefit the whole family. I can walk beside the child and family and provide a safe and inviting space where emotional growth and healing can begin.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I love teaching children and adults how their thoughts, feelings and actions are all connected. I teach specific skills to help replace unhelpful or negative thoughts with more helpful and rational thoughts with age-appropriate tools.
Play Therapy
I use play strategies simply because children are not typically able to express their thoughts and big feelings with words. We use toys and art as a language to help kids share their hard feelings in a safe space. Play is a child's language and in therapy children can get help with big feelings and learn more adaptive behaviors.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions810 E Jackson, Macomb, IL 61455, Suite 2