Life shouldn’t feel like constant survival mode. If you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, or questioning your direction, therapy can help you reconnect with yourself and move toward a life that feels more steady and fulfilling. I’m Lauren, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Lexington, Kentucky with over 13 years of experience helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, difficult relationships, and major life transitions. I use evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, ACT, psychodynamic therapy, and mindfulness to tailor therapy to your unique needs. My goal is simple: to create a space where you feel safe, understood, and supported enough to explore the difficult things—and strong enough to grow beyond them.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
My goal is to make your first session as comfortable and easy as possible. In your first session with me, the focus is on building a connection and creating a foundation for your therapeutic journey. We'll start by getting to know each other—I’ll ask you some questions to better understand your needs, concerns, and goals. Together, we’ll explore what brought you to therapy and identify the areas you’d like to focus on first. This session is as much about you feeling comfortable and heard as it is about setting the stage for meaningful work. I like to explain the process with this analogy: Imagine we’re on a journey together in a bus. You’re in the driver’s seat, and I’m in the passenger seat holding a map. My role is to guide you by offering suggestions and tools to help you navigate, but ultimately, you’re in control. You decide which path to take, and whether you follow my suggestions or choose a different route, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Therapy is a collaborative process, and your voice and choices are at the heart of it all.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I take my role as a therapist with the utmost care and respect, knowing it is a profound privilege to be part of someone’s healing journey. Every client deserves unconditional respect, empathy, and a space where they feel truly seen and supported. I strive to meet my clients where they are, approaching therapy with compassion, realism, and practicality. I also believe in empowering my clients by providing clear, accessible psychoeducation—helping you understand not only the "how" but also the "why" behind the approaches and treatments we use. Transparency is central to everything I do, and I’m deeply committed to being an advocate and protector for my clients. For me, the first and most essential part of the therapeutic relationship is creating a sense of safety. Trust must be earned, and I am committed to earning yours because, without trust, true healing becomes impossible. Life is already hard enough—you don’t have to face it alone. Together, we can work to create a space where growth, understanding, and resilience can flourish.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I am deeply committed to meeting my clients where they are, without judgment or expectation. Life can be overwhelming, and reaching out for help takes courage. My goal is to create a space where you feel truly seen, heard, and accepted—just as you are. Together, we will work to build a relationship founded on trust and understanding, allowing you to feel safe as you navigate the complexities of life’s challenges. Healing begins when we can be honest about our struggles in a space that fosters hope and resilience. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or addiction, I want you to know that you don’t have to face it alone. I specialize in helping adults move through these challenges, offering a compassionate, individualized approach that honors your journey. No matter where you’re starting from or what you’ve been through, you are welcome here. My role is to walk beside you, helping you uncover your inner strength and find the tools you need to create a life that feels more manageable, meaningful, and aligned with who you are. Together, we can work toward growth, healing, and a renewed sense of hope for the future.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is the cornerstone of all other treatment methods. My experience with CBT highlights its versatility across diverse populations and symptoms. I help patients identify unhelpful thought patterns, develop coping skills, and challenge these thoughts to promote healthier behaviors and emotional well-being.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use DBT to help patients manage emotions, build healthy relationships, and create stability in their lives. By focusing on skills like mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation, I guide individuals in finding balance between acceptance and change, empowering them to move forward with confidence.
Psychoeducation
I use psychoeducation to empower patients with knowledge about their conditions and recovery process. By breaking down complex concepts into practical insights, I help individuals build understanding, reduce stigma, and take informed steps toward healing.
Grief Therapy
In grief therapy, I provide a compassionate space for patients to process their loss and find ways to honor their loved ones. By exploring emotions and developing coping tools, I help individuals navigate grief and discover hope and meaning.
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma-informed care shapes my approach to ensure safety, trust, and empowerment for patients. I prioritize understanding the impact of trauma while fostering resilience and helping individuals regain control over their healing journey.