About Laura

Background

Laura is a Southern California native. She received a B.A in Communication from the University of Southern California and a M.A. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. In the State of California, Laura is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT; license # 81033). Prior to private practice, she has worked at treatment facilities for both substance abuse and eating disorders, worked with victims of crimes (domestic violence and sexual abuse), and a suicide hotline. Her cliental has ranged between the ages of 5 to 85. Currently she mostly works with adults and teens.

Approach to Therapy in Laura's Words

Although I tend to think of myself as an informal cognitive-behavioral therapist, I find that I intertwine many approaches to therapy depending upon the individual client. Carl Jung once said, "Learn your theories as well as you can, but put them aside when you touch the miracle of the living soul." Thus, I must always conform my approach to the individual.

Areas of Expertise

I work with individuals, couples, and families. My areas of treatment include anxiety, depression, relationship issues, sexual & physical abuse, eating disorders, substance abuse, other addictions, and counseling those who are coping with a loved one with such areas of concern. My role as a therapist is not about helping others. It is about giving guidance and focusing on self-empowerment to my clients so they can have the tools to help themselves.