Licensed Clinical Social Worker, PhD., MSW, MPH, LCSW
I am founder of the Encouragement Institute, a licensed clinical social worker, EMDR therapist and certified coach. Years of education and experience as a social and behavioral health researcher enables me to bring a wealth of knowledge to our interactions to help you with barriers and obstacles you may be facing. With a former background as a classical ballerina, and working as a professor for many years I bring a combination of discipline, empathy, and proven strategies to motivate and encourage you to bring out the BEST you have to offer yourself, your family, and your community.
My intention is to assist you to know yourself so well that you make decisions clearly and easily and in integrity with who you want to be. This is a heart centered and practical approach that is tailor made to your needs. It is truly empowering.
Laura understands how experiences in our life can cause us to feel " off balance". She compassionately listens and supports clients as well as offer a therapeutic relationship that provides clients an opportunity to emotionally move forward, heal, and rekindle happiness during challenging times.
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, M.S., M.A., LMHC, QSFL, CHP
Good counseling is an art and I want to welcome you to my practice! The right assistance and guidance at the right time can help us when we feel stuck and unsure. You have taken this first most important step in seeking that assistance. If you would like to work with a compassionate, non-judgmental person who is honestly interested in you and your well-being, please contact me. I will use my deep listening skills, sense of presence, specialized techniques, education and advanced studies, empathy, intuition, and insight to help you. I have a strong Jungian influence and also served for over a decade as a grief counselor working with all forms of loss. Zoom groups forming. Certified clinical hypnotherapist. Qualified Supervisor, Florida.
In this uncertain world, where stress abounds both in families and individually, the the ability to cope may seem confusing and overwhelming at times. If your life has begun to feel like a never ending battle, feelings of depression or anxiety have taken over, or personal relationships have turned to hurt and frustration instead of the joy it once had, please reach out for a helping hand. Whether you suffer from personal issues, relationship stress, trauma from past experiences or just need an expert ear to talk through your feelings: I'm here to help you reach your goals.
I AM CURRENTLY NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. Have you been through a major life change? It could be a death, a loss, or another huge life event. You’re re-evaluating your priorities. You’re starting to think about what really matters in your life. You may want to find your voice and make choices that are in line with your authentic self. It can be hard to walk this new road alone. You don’t have to! I can support you with life direction (bringing in more joy and meaning), grief and loss, life transitions, and women's counseling for empowerment (create boundaries, reduce stress, increase self-esteem, find your voice and develop more self-compassion and self-care). Together, we’ll work to access your strengths and create a life filled with joy and purpose.
Are you overwhelmed? Depressed? Does life seem empty, barely worth living? If in a relationship, do you feel disconnected & can't find your way back to the special love you had? Are fights or a cold war so painful & confusing because you know deep down you really do love each other? Love can last!
Who hasn't ever felt buried with anxiety or the lows of depression due to some life altering stressful event or situation? I know I have! Negative emotions can affect your physical health, your job, schooling, relationships....and how you function throughout the day. But I've learned to manage and control my overthinking, frazzled perspective and turn the negative views into positive behaviors and attitude. And you can too! It will be a privilege to work with you and help you experience positive, long-lasting change.
Sometimes it feels like things are just not getting better. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, life stressors, or grief and loss you are not alone, it is so common today! One of the advantages of telehealth is that you can talk to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home, or anywhere you might be located. We can work together to help you find a renewed sense of hope to start to take those baby steps that add up in helping you create a life you love. I have 20 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker. I know what it is like to deal with life's stressors, curve balls, grief and loss, child loss, depression and anxiety. Whether you are needing help in taking those first steps or whether mental health is not new to you, and you want to learn to manage better. I have the training and experience to help you. I will meet you with unconditional positive regard and we will work together to see what approach is best for you.
Helping others is my passion and it is second nature for me. If you are ready to take that step, I can help you learn to cope better using various therapeutic techniques, and be a neutral professional to talk to, to help you on your healing journey.
20 Years Experience
