Meet Lauren
(she/her)
When clients walk into my office, they can expect to be met with someone who is genuine, intentional, and a bit playful and creative. They will see how I invest in the therapeutic relationship and create a sense of calm and ease in the space. I am a therapist who has a zest for life that fuels the work that I do. Through my clinical training, I found that Relational-Cultural Therapy (RCT) best captures how I show up in the therapy room and view someone’s culture and community as a critical aspect in case conceptualization. RCT believes people grow through and towards connection throughout the lifespan and relationships are fundamental to human development and well-being. Disconnection and isolation are the source of suffering, and healing occurs through growth-fostering relationships, particularly between the client and clinician in therapy.
Because of my background in studio art, the expression of RCT is more creative in the room since that is how I authentically connect with others. When you step into my office you will notice flecks of dried paint on the table, painted rocks on my desk, and a stack of construction paper peeking out of a file cabinet. But art doesn’t always have to be a painting, collage, or drawing. Art in my sessions sometimes looks like explaining a concept to a client in a way that clicks for them or the way in which I weave conversations about identity and societal influences into ones about psychopathology and symptoms. Art is the way in which I reach across and find connection and understanding in a world that jumps to distrust and division.
I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of North Texas (UNT) with a specialty focus on children, families, and couples. I completed my undergraduate degree from Santa Clara University where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Women’s & Gender Studies with a minor in Studio Arts. I have previous experience in a community mental health setting, a university counseling center, and private practice working with a diverse range of clients. I have experience working with a variety of concerns, including trauma, grief, identity development, depression, anxiety, and life transitions.
Areas I Can Support You In
Couples Therapy Relationship Issues Traumatic Experiences Grief and Loss Anxiety Depression Life Transitions Pregnancy and Postpartum Concerns Parenting Challenges Divorce Premarital Therapy
Licenses and Certifications
Level One Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy
EMDR Trained
Education
Doctorate in Counseling Psychology (PhD) in process - University of North Texas
Master of Science in Psychology (MS) - University of North Texas
Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BS) - Santa Clara University
Bachelor of Arts in Women & Gender Studies (BA) - Santa Clara University