Lauren Bookout, MS, LPC Associate
Young Adults | Teens | Dating | Anxiety
We all put on masks from time to time.
Sometimes it’s to make us more desirable when meeting someone for the first time. Other times it may be to hide our struggle with loss, depression, anxiety, or pain. Our masks often appear when we're juggling multiple roles—parent, partner, professional, friend, or daughter/son—and feeling uncertain about whether we're doing it "right." At other times, they surface simply because we want to fit in or live up to expectations of who we're "supposed to be." I know this feeling.
During my time in graduate school and in my work with clients, I have come to understand the importance of authenticity. When we try to hide our shame, pain, trauma, or negative thoughts and feelings—whether by masking them with a smile or pushing them away—we end up losing connection with ourselves and others. This can feel incredibly isolating. In therapy, my hope is that you no longer feel the need to wear masks. My role isn’t to erase the painful parts of your life, but to help you find strength in them.
You may already know what you want to work on when you walk through my door, or perhaps you don’t know where to start. Whether you need a place to process, plan, cry, de-stress, discover, or just sit with someone who will really listen—I provide a warm environment without judgment. A space where you can explore your feelings and thoughts, gain new insights, receive empathy when you’re hurting, and find support while moving toward your goals.
Areas of Focus
I have worked with both men and women struggling with diverse issues including self-esteem, relationship challenges, life transitions, anxiety, depression, anger management, processing past traumas, and overcoming addiction.
Together, we can explore how your past experiences have shaped you, using understanding and compassion to gain insight into what you're going through today. From there, we’ll uncover new perspectives, tools, and ways to move forward.
Professional Background
and Accreditation
I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Texas Tech University. After a few years of corporate work, I attended the University of Southern Mississippi where I received training in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and obtained my Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling. During graduate school, I received specialized training treating substance use disorders and dual diagnosis, and learned how addiction and mental health shape not only the individual, but the family as well. I have experience in career counseling, group and individual therapy, as well as psychoeducational lectures on family dynamics, shame reduction, and emotional regulation and mindfulness.
Esther Faye Stacy, LMSW, Director of Chemical Dependency Services, Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources
“I have had the absolute privilege of working with Lauren in a clinical setting. She has a very approachable technique of engaging the individuals she works with as well as a high level of integrity. She is determined to offer competent therapeutic services and has a compassion that is unwavering. Lauren works alongside her clients to ensure that they are successful in reaching their mental health goals.”
Austen Anderson, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi
“As a counselor, Lauren strikes a spectacular balance of professionalism with genuine empathy. She works diligently to understand her clients’ challenges and strengths, and then uses that information to create treatment plans that help her clients cope with their difficulties and thrive in their daily lives. I highly recommend Lauren as a counselor.”
Ilyssa M. Claxton, PCAT, MS, Clinical Therapist, Clearview Recovery Center
“Watching Lauren step into her own identity as a competent, warm, compassionate, and driven counselor has been a distinct privilege. Lauren meets her clients wherever they are and holds sacred space for them to find meaning and direction in their lives. What I admire most about Lauren is her “can-do” attitude and ability to inspire clients to look at their lives differently. Lauren is light on her feet and able to adapt to all the challenges that come her way. With a smile on her face, she meets everyone she comes across with kindness and a willingness to help.”
Thomas J. Lipscomb, Ph.D., Psychologist and Professor Emeritus of Psychology
“Lauren possesses all the qualities that clients require from a counselor to achieve greater wellbeing. She possesses empathy, kindness, compassion, and keen insight. Lauren is well-poised to fully engage clients in coming to realize the concrete steps necessary to achieve their individual mental health goals.”
Bonnie Nicholson, Ph.D., Professor & Associate Director, School of Psychology Program Coordinator, MS CPY program
“Lauren provides a great balance of professionalism and warmth. She cares deeply about her clients and brings together her knowledge, skills, and experience to allow her clients to work toward making profound changes in their lives.”
