A lesson can look a lot like loss. A new beginning can look a lot like a setback. Exploration can look a lot like uncertainty. Growth can look a lot like incompetence. Vulnerability can look a lot like weakness. Life isn’t what happens to us. Life is how we choose to look at what happens to us. – Eddie Pinero
*Lauren is currently waitlisted until November 2024. Please follow the schedule button to add yourself to her schedule.
We all wear masks that we put on from time to time. Sometimes it’s to make us more desirable when meeting someone for the first time, other times it may be when we’re struggling with loss, depression, anxiety, or pain. Our masks may come up when we’re trying to juggle the roles of parent, partner, professional, friend, daughter/son and we are not sure if we are doing it right and other times it may just be because we want to fit in or be who we are “supposed to be.” I too know this feeling.
While in graduate school and in my practice working with clients, I have learned about the importance of authenticity. When we try to hide our shame, our pain, our trauma, or our negative thoughts and feelings with a smile or by trying to get rid of it, we end up losing connection with ourselves and with others. It can feel lonely!
When you walk through these doors you may already know what you want to work on, but sometimes we don’t know where to start. Whether you need a place to cry, process, de-stress, plan, discover, or just someone to listen – I will provide a warm environment without judgment, explore your feelings and thoughts with new insights, provide empathy when you’re hurting, and support when moving towards your goals.
I have worked with both men and women who have struggled with diverse issues including self-esteem, relationship issues, navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, anger management, in processing past traumas, and in overcoming addiction.
My biggest hope is that in therapy, we don’t have to put our masks on anymore. My job is not to remove the painful parts of your life, but to help you find strength in them. Together, we can connect how your past experiences have shaped you with understanding and compassion to learn more about what you may be experiencing today and to discover new perspectives, tools, and ways to move forward.
Each person that walks into my room has a unique story and life experience, and I am excited to learn more and meet you!
My Background
I received my Bachelors degree in Psychology from Texas Tech University. After a few years in corporate, 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 in learning how addiction and mental health shape not only the individual, but the family as well. Additionally, 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. My passion continues in working with adults coping with life transitions, couples’ issues, self-esteem, and trauma.
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