Lauren J. Brunner
Lauren J. Brunner
(she/her)
Frequently rebooked
New clients continue care with this provider
Do you long for balance amid this chaotic world? Do you struggle in managing your relationships, work, and emotional and/or physical health? My approach cultivates empowerment through compassionate support. I begin by learning about you and your worldview. I believe that you are the expert of your life and that within you, resides the inherent capacity to find your way through the most difficult of circumstances. It is my perspective that we often just need a bit of assistance in cultivating that path. My role as a therapist is to help facilitate the growth and change process by developing a relationship in the context of a nurturing and supportive environment. I received my Bachelor of Science from the Pennsylvania State University in 2010 where I focused my studies on human development across the lifespan. My Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work was obtained from The Ohio State University in 2012 where I graduated with high honors. With more than 15 years of extensive career experience as a psychotherapist and in the field of behavioral health, I have come to one solid conclusion: The path toward healing is not so much about becoming anything. Often, it is about unbecoming everything that isn’t you, so that you can be who you were truly meant to be in the first place.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session I will review your intake information and may ask additional follow up questions. The initial intake session can be more directive than subsequent sessions, which will become more self-directed, in terms of content and structure. If we choose to work together, we will review your goals for treatment and develop an initial plan of care together.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
While I work with clients on a variety of issues, my specialization is in treating chronic and complex PTSD through a somatic and attachment-focused lens. I have received specialized and niche training in EMDR, DBT, and the Unified Protocol (UP) for transdiagnostic disorders. I believe in a holistic path to wellness that incorporates a variety of techniques (mindfulness, EMDR, CBT, EFT tapping, breath work) to help you heal. I find this integrative approach translates well to working with those who have a history of substance use disorders as the comorbidity rate of these disorders (addiction and PTSD) is quite high. While I find value in 12-step facilitation, I believe the Recovery community is woefully in need of trauma providers who are skilled in integrating alternative recovery models within a trauma-informed perspective. Here, I incorporate the underpinnings of secular Buddhism to reinforce models of care that recognize drugs and alcohol have never been the problem. In fact, they were likely a solution. A "solution" that is simply, no longer working.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
Adults ages 18-64 experiencing symptoms related to anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, codependency, substance misuse and abuse, relationship/interpersonal problems, grief and loss. In an effort to accommodate busy professionals, I provide flexible weekend/evening scheduling options. I am available both in person or via telehealth 7- days/week. Evening appointments are held Sunday- Wednesday and daylight appointment hours Thursday- Saturday. In-person and virtual options are available.
About Lauren J. Brunner
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Address
2555 Washington Rd, Upper Saint Clair, PA 15241, 610AAppointments
Virtual & in-personMy treatment methods
Trauma Informed Care
Somatic experiencing work is tied to mindfully based skills derived from DBT modules in distress tolerance and emotional regulation. My style is integrated and with the understanding that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to the development of our personal growth and empowered recovery.