Lauren Genung

LMFT, 8 years of experience
Solution oriented
Open-minded
Authentic
VirtualAvailable

Hi, I'm Lauren! I'm a Bay Area-based, queer identifying, bicultural, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I've been practicing as a therapist for about 8 years across various settings. I am passionate about helping folks thrive as their authentic self and create meaning that aligns with their personal values. I love to read, spend time with my fur babies, and experience the thrill of adventure through new foods and travel. Looking for a therapist can feel intimidating, especially wondering if the therapist would be the right fit for you. My role is to honor that vulnerability by creating a safe, collaborative space where you are met with respect and understanding.

Get to know me

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

In our first session, you can expect a conversation to get to know you and begin to explore the current challenges you're facing. This helps me gain a deeper understanding of your world and help clarify some therapy goals you have for yourself. By the end of your first session, you may feel more grounded, connected, and hopeful for the path ahead. If either of us find that we may not be a match, I will do my best to connect you with another therapist that can best support your particular needs.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionately direct, and always centered on the unique needs of each client. I draw from evidence-based modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to support meaningful insights to support change. I believe healing happens in a space of safety and authenticity, where clients feel heard, accepted, and supported without judgment. Through honest conversation and steady encouragement, I work to help clients gain insight, build emotional tools, and move toward a life that feels more aligned and fulfilling.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I am best able to support folks struggling with mood challenges, relationship struggles, identity shifts, and major life changes. I offer a caring, nonjudgmental space where you can be your authentic self, make sense of what you’re going through, and find realistic ways to move forward. Therapy is collaborative and, like any partnership, it is sustained by clear communication and trust. I am most helpful to Clients that approach therapy with an open mind and ready to grow. One might find some discomfort in vulnerability, however, our work will include respectful curiosity and reflection in a nonjudgmental space. Together, we will hone in on the specific goals and create a plan for treatment that feels most supportive to you.

SpecialtiesTop specialties
Other specialties
I identify as
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods

Eclectic

Every Client is unique in their experience, history, and mental wellness. My approach is meant to meet each individual with their personal needs and provide treatment that fits the particular situation. Eclectic treatment method refers to the flexibility to utilizing multiple treatment methods, depends on the needs of my Clients. Some sessions may call for Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to assist with regulating feelings or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help connect with your values to create meaning. I also use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with unhelpful thinking patterns that may be contributing to your mental wellness. While approaches may be different, Clients can anticipate therapist attunement, where I tailor my approach specific to the moment.

, 4 ratings

2 ratings with written reviews

October 17, 2025

I really appreciate how Lauren affirms and validates my experience and supports me to find solutions to navigate what I'm going through that fit within my personal value system. I always feel really heard, supported, and understood, and I come away from appointments with greater insight into what's going on and feeling empowered to make concrete changes to support myself. I came into my last appointment feeling quite dysregulated, and by the end of the appointment had a solid plan and felt calm.

Verified client, age 35-44
Review shared after session 5 with Lauren

August 1, 2025

I've had many bad experiences with therapists in the past (including on Grow) who made assumptions about me that didn't feel good. My experience with Lauren was a breath of fresh air. She came to the session prepared, having thoroughly reviewed my intake. She communicated clearly and directly and offered a clear structure to the session, asked open-ended questions that were based on things I'd shared, really listened, and validated and affirmed my experiences in a way that felt so supportive.

Verified client, age 35-44
Review shared after session 1 with Lauren