Hello, I'm Laura

My specialties are in treating Teens (15+) and Adults with Anxiety Disorders and Trauma.

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Phobias
• PTSD Complex Trauma or Complex PTSD

I utilize several different therapies with my clients (EMDR, CBT, MBCT, ACT - yes, that's many letters, and I'm happy to tell you more about these if you like! ) from my extensive ongoing training on issues related to to to anxiety and trauma. According to research, one of the best therapies to treat anxiety and trauma is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). EMDR has been very exciting for me to utilize with my clients because I see how much it makes a difference for people almost every day. So many times, I hear people say, "before EMDR, I may have known what the healthy thing to think or do was, but I could never feel it was real. I felt like I was 'faking it, to make it,' and now, this feels real."

Also, I enjoy working with Teens and Adults who are different types of "Helpers" ... a few examples are:

• Educators
• Medical Staff
• Other Therapists
• Veterinarian/Animal Lovers
• People who care for family and friends who have mental health and/or physical health challenges
• Volunteers & Supporters of Different Causes.

Why do I love working with Helpers?

Helpers have such huge hearts but often can struggle with balancing helping others with also taking care of themselves. Suppose a Helper can learn how to work on the (sometimes) negative thoughts and emotions that prevent setting healthier boundaries. In that case, a Helper can potentially have a more fulfilling life and joy in helping others!  Through non-judgmental understanding, I provide a space where you can relax and be yourself. Together, we'll explore how to get to a place where you will begin to thrive.

 

If You Feel Lonely, Afraid, or Overwhelmed, I Hear You, And You Are Not Alone

Negative life experiences have a way of building up. You wish you could put these experiences behind you, but they act like a filter you use to see yourself and the world.

Perhaps you are feeling overwhelmed right now with all that's going on. You may be feeling:

• You need to avoid anything that reminds you of your past
• Lonely because people don't understand what you are going through
• Worried that you will never get better
• Fearful of trusting others
• Guilt and you are blaming yourself for what happened in your past

If these symptoms affect your ability to live your life based on your goals, it may be time to get therapy.

It’s Possible To Start Feeling More At Peace

As your therapist, I believe that you are the expert on your life – I will meet you where you are to help you reach your goals.

Growing up, I was a 'helper' in my world, and I was pretty fascinated by what made some people improve their lives and some not. One quality that I noticed in those who made changes in their lives was that they had motivation. Things HAD to change, and this motivation came from having some form of deep discomfort. I even saw it in myself - I made changes when I was so uncomfortable with a thing, and I knew that I HAD to do something different.

But I also know first hand that change is difficult, even with motivation. Sometimes, I noticed that I could be so excited when I saw that something was getting better (from all of my changes), but then when that became difficult, I wanted to give up. I am so glad that I learned that I didn't have to do things alone and found the support I needed from someone I trusted (including seeing my therapist). This personal experience helps me understand how someone can want to change something so badly and still struggle to make it happen.

There Are Many Benefits To Therapy

Therapy can successfully help you with those challenges that prevent you from functioning better and enjoying life… It can help you to:

• Gain coping skills to handle day to day life
• Believe that it is possible to trust again
• Have hope in your future
• Create a healthier view of yourself
• Improve your relationships or (more confidently) build new ones

This list includes just a few of the benefits of therapy. Ask yourself what you would like to see change, or let's look six months down the road... how would you like to see that your life has improved?

As a therapist, I very patient. I don't push people to open up or force them to work on something they are not ready to do. I hear from most of my clients that they feel pretty comfortable with me, but this is also an individual thing. What works for one person may not work for someone else. I want you to have a good connection with me, and sometimes that can take a little time. Just come as you are, and we will work out the rest.

A Little About My Professional Background

I received my Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies (Early Childhood Development) from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Afterward, I received my Master of Science in Community Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Over the years, my experience has been varied while working in community non-profits and private practice as a therapist. I am a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC # 63595) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC #4739). Also, I am Level 2 trained in EMDR (by EMDRIA), close to completing my certification in EMDR.

A Bit More…

In my free time, I love watching movies—Suspense, Comedies, Dramas. Animals are also extremely important to me. Gotta have them in my life! My husband and I have two cats: Sophie and Chloe, sisters from the same litter. I have had so many special dogs and cats in my life, and those memories will always be with me.

I also locally volunteer with Jackson’s Friends. The (nonprofit) INADcure Foundation sponsors Jackson’s Friends; this is a nonprofit working to find a cure for a disorder called Infantile Neuroaxonal Dystrophy (or INAD).  My nephew has this disorder (photo of me with my nephew Jackson, and Sawyer, who is Jackson's dog at a fundraising event), so this cause matters a great deal to me.

When I can, I love to be outside – I can walk for miles, getting in touch with nature. My office also has a beautiful outdoor space where I can have sessions with clients if so desired.