Hi, I’m Laura!

she/her

I’m a licensed therapist based in
Los Angeles, California.

I’m also a coffee snob enthusiast obsessed with reading fantasy novels, a (mostly) undefeated Scrabble champion, a karaoke *queen*, and someone who spends waaay too much time color-coding spreadsheets. I was born and raised here in Los Angeles and am still enjoying the endless cuisine options + hiking trails, (but always hoping for more sweater weather and rain).

My clients are folks from all walks of life with complex stories and experiences,

just like you.

you’re used to working hard

but you’re allowed to rest hard, too.

 

On the outside, you have it all together. You work hard to meet your own standards. You’re fine. Things will work out. Or at least that’s the story you’ve been telling yourself to manage the feelings underneath it all.

As a lover of stories, I get it.

Unfortunately, working hard and putting on a brave face aren’t enough to lead you to the life you desire, especially if you’re getting closer to burnout than bliss. But here’s the good news: you get to author your own story and I’m here to help you write the pages.

You deserve to experience life differently.

Picture this: Freedom to rest when you need it, without feeling shame. Feeling empowered to set boundaries without fear that you’ll make someone angry. A healthy, supportive relationship with yourself and also with others. Intimacy and connection that feel genuine and safe. Confidence in yourself, who you are, and where you’re headed, without needing everything to be perfect to feel secure.

I have years of experience helping folks learn to treat themselves more compassionately, implement healthy boundaries, and achieve better balance among the different aspects of their lives. But more importantly, I’m a human who has walked this walk too.

As a recovering perfectionist and people-pleaser myself, I know how challenging it can be to prioritize your own needs, to live in that place of fear that making the wrong move will lead to some kind of consequence: abandonment, hardship, judgment, failure.

If you find yourself struggling to carry the weight of these expectations, you’re in the right place. My clients come to me because they’re overwhelmed with trying to “do it all” or “be enough” all the damn time. Their past experiences keep getting in the way of feeling connected to themselves. They’re tired of the same unhealthy relationship patterns but aren’t sure how to break the cycle. Their self-worth is based on how productive they are — or it’s not there at all. But they also know, deep down, there has to be more than this.

 
therapy for women

starting therapy means taking the leap to reconnect with yourself.

you deserve it.

my approach is...

  • collaborative

    I believe that you are the expert on your own life and experiences. I will meet you where you’re at and join you in your journey toward finding growth and healing.

  • authentic

    I’m a real and approachable person & I don’t believe that therapy should be rigid or formal. I’ll hold space for you to cry, laugh, or even swear (I’ll probably join you).

  • intersectional

    I firmly believe that our multiple identities influence the way we see and experience the world — and these parts of us should be honored during therapy.

  • exploratory

    When you’re ready, we will dig deep to explore aspects of your past, challenges in the present, and hopes for your future to find clarity and create the life you want.

  • honest

    Transparency and reliability are necessary for a successful and trusting relationship. You can count on me to be honest with you even when it’s uncomfortable.

  • always evolving

    Growth is not stagnant. I am committed to continuing my personal and professional development and growth to better support you in yours.

By building an authentic and supportive relationship together, we will

explore aspects of your past,

navigate challenges in the present,

+ identify your hopes for the future



to create the life you want while leaning
into your natural strengths —
they're there, I promise!

 

my professional background


(for those who are curious)

    • California Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) #100705

    • Master of Social Work (MSW) from Simmons University, 2018

    • Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology and Social Behavior from University of California, Irvine, 2014

    • Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) trained — certification in process

    • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

    • 60-hour Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy certificate

    • Advanced clinical training in the topics of trauma, attachment, sexual assault and domestic violence, relationships, LGBTQIA+ care, identity issues, anxiety, and depression

    • I have worked in various settings, including community mental health, in-home programs, school-based programs, residential programs, and outpatient clinics.

    • I have experience providing individual therapy to children, teens, and adults; couples therapy for adults; and family therapy for children/teens and their parents.

    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

    • Attachment-Based

    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

    • Inner Child / Parts Work

    • Mindfulness

    • Narrative Therapy

    • Psychodynamic Therapy

    I work within an anti-racist, identity affirmative, feminist, existential framework.

 

if this resonates, please reach out!

Your story is welcome here.