Laurie Poole MS, LPC
Couples | Divorce | Grief | Family | Career
When you walk through my door, the only assumption I’ll make is that the status quo isn’t working and you are looking to make a change–even if you aren’t sure what that change needs to be. We’ll take it from there.
I understand that it can be a little unnerving to start therapy, particularly with someone you don’t know. I think everyone feels that way initially, but I will do my best to set you at ease and help you feel comfortable.
Like you, I’ve had to navigate challenges resulting from my relationships as a wife, a parent, and a daughter. I know firsthand just how complicated and fantastic it can all be! But what I’ve learned is that when you do the inner work of asking tough questions and changing the steps of your “relationship dance,” better things await on the other side.
While my experiences may be quite different from yours, they have grounded me with compassion and empathy for the issues you may bring to therapy. My approach to therapy involves getting to know you, striving to understand your unique perspective, and learning what makes you tick. In each session, my goal is to offer clients a safe place to take a risk and speak from the heart.
Whether positive or painful, the patterns that we experienced growing up are often repeated in subsequent relationships with our partners, children, co-workers, and within ourselves. Before we know it, history repeats itself in ways we didn’t intend. With this in mind, your story will always be my starting point. I’m curious about how patterns in your life are played out in relationships with loved ones, which will inform many of our discussions.
Areas of Focus
I have witnessed tremendous healing and change in family therapy sessions as parents and teens share their struggles and engage in open dialogue. And I have sat in awe as couples create a deeper connection with one another by learning how to express their deepest emotions and fears to one another. No matter the presenting issue, therapy provides an opportunity for powerful healing when clients are committed to the process. I will do my best to support you every step of the way.
In my previous life, I enjoyed a successful career in corporate marketing, communications, and business development. And as a wife and mother, I’ve had my own share of the challenges that marriage, divorce, and raising children can bring!
Much of successful therapy is finding the right fit between a client and therapist. I don’t have all the answers and my goal is not to “fix” you, but I will accompany you with an open heart and help light the path toward achieving your therapy goals. I look forward to connecting with you!
Professional Background
and Accreditation
I am a licensed professional counselor with my Master of Science in Counseling from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and a graduate of McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. I received advanced practical training in emotionally focused therapy for couples and families at UT Southwestern, where I spent five years in the Department of Psychiatry’s Family Studies Clinic working with diverse clients of all ages. In addition, I completed a post-graduate externship in Emotionally Focused Therapy and have advanced training in EFT geared toward couples with trauma. I am a contributing author to Case Studies in Couple and Family Therapy and hold memberships in the Texas Association of Marriage and Family Therapy and the International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Brandy Schumann, PHD, LPC-S, NCC, RPT-S Internship Director, Clinical Assistant Professor, Southern Methodist University
“Laurie is an exceptional practitioner. I frequently refer to her as I believe many individuals are best served by her authentic, approachable, honest and humble demeanor. Her non-threatening approach facilitates a safe exploration of vulnerable spaces. I wish we had more like her in the mental health field.”
Holly Scott, MBA, MS, LPC, Founder of Uptown Dallas Counseling
“I have known Laurie both personally and professionally for over ten years. When I need a referral for a couple's therapist, I immediately think of her. She has extensive training specifically in the evidenced-based treatment practices for couples. In addition to her expertise, Laurie is a warm, engaging, and compassionate therapist. If you are looking for a Marriage/Couples therapist, I highly recommend Laurie!”
Tara Signs, PhD, MFT, Director, Medical Family Therapy Clinic, Oklahoma Baptist University
“Laurie Poole is a friend and colleague that I have had the pleasure of working with for several years. Over the course of our years together, I observed and witnessed Laurie's thorough clinical skills that encouraged opportunities for clients to find meaning in their lives. What I admire most about Laurie is her ability to truly create a space of safety for clients to process deeper level emotions and experiences. I have been privileged to learn from Laurie and highly respect her as a clinician.”
Lee Kinsey, PhD, LPC, Owner at Dr. Lee Kinsey Sex Therapy & Relationship Counseling
“There are few counselors like Laurie Poole. She is smart, experienced, funny, and focused as well as kind, caring, and personable. In short, Laurie is both nice and effective. I refer clients to her without hesitation and with the certainty that Laurie will help clients see past the distractions, spotlight core issues, and confront their most intractable problems with the focused compassion each of us deserves.”
Holly Lockett, LPC-S, Frisco Counseling and Wellness
“I have known Laurie for the past 6 years on a professional basis. I love the way she works with clients on an individual basis but also encompasses the family system which is extremely effective in helping people heal the past and move forward in a healthy way.”
