Laura holds advanced training certificates in Narrative Focused Trauma Care through The Allender Center (Associated with The Seattle School of Psychology and Theology), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR™), and is a Somatic Experiencing®Practitioner (SEP) These trauma-informed approaches guide her work in helping clients overcome a wide variety of difficulties related to emotional distress, trauma and sexual abuse. She holds training certificates in both Gottman Method Couples Therapy (GMCT)and Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) which helps guide her work with couples to dismantle relational barriers and cultivate more authentic connection.
Laura started her career in the field of Human Resources following her undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University in 1988. Following a season dedicated to her family, she returned to graduate school and received her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grace College and Seminary in Winona Lake, IN in 2014. While her advanced clinical training is current, she also brings deep wisdom gained through personal life experiences. She believes her work with others can only go as far as she has gone herself. As such, she faithfully pursues her own personal and professional growth. She considers it an honor and a holy privilege to be invited into the terrain of another's story.
What I Believe
Our particular way of relating to ourselves and others is a product of the individual families and collective systems that formed much of what we learn in early life. Attachment Theory suggests these early experiences characterize our relationships from cradle to grave. Learned relational patterns tend to repeat themselves, and until disrupted will continue to unwittingly orient the direction of our lives and relationships.
I maintain a relentless curiosity about the context in which a person's story has unfolded. Present day functioning holds truths about the impact of these early experiences and exploring these waters requires courage and trusted guidance.
If we take an honest assessment of where we have been harmed, and come to a fuller awareness and acceptance of where we currently are, we then have more freedom and capacity to create a more authentic and vibrant future.
I view my life and work through a Christian perspective and worldview. I value the spiritual beliefs of my clients and would never impose my own. The degree to which clients wish to include spiritual matters as part of their counseling process is solely at their discretion. If necessary, we can openly discuss how to navigate and mutually honor any differences.