Individual Therapy

Individual therapy, also known as counseling or psychotherapy, is a collaborative process between therapist and client which can help you develop a greater understanding of self, restore connection and cultivate helpful ways of navigating life and relationships.

People often seek therapy for personal growth, when going through life transitions, dealing with grief, anxiety, effects of trauma, depression or experiencing relational difficulties.

Here you will have the opportunity to expand your sense of connection and may explore how your past informs your present in order to establish a new future.

Our early and ongoing life experiences and relationships play an important role in how we experience ourselves and others. We grow up often adapting ourselves in ways that are protective and help us cope. However, sometimes as an adult these patterns no longer work for us and even get in the way of living the life we want.

We will work together to support your access to the life you want to live. This approach may support the release of trauma, increase tolerance and regulation of emotions, access to your authentic self and open you to a richer, more engaged life.

About Lauren

I bring an adaptive, client-centered approach to my therapeutic relationships which allows for tailoring to each client’s needs. I aim to support my client's strengths, resiliency, capacity for emotional wellbeing and authentic connection with themselves and others. Informed by psychodynamic theories, Polyvagal Theory, somatic theories, and the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM), I value the information our body and felt sense provides us and engage my clients in mindful, somatic focused, insight-oriented self-exploration as I integrate ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).

Healthy, deeply connected relationships support our sense of a fulfilling and meaningful life. With a focus on our therapeutic relationship, I honor and seek to understand your personal and cultural identities and am humble and open to feedback and learning.

My continued effort to provide you the highest quality of care includes:

*Becoming a NARM® Informed Professional 

*In process of NARM® Therapist Training

*Becoming trained in Trauma Responsive Yoga

*Membership in the United States Association for Body Psychotherapy®

*Engaging in Somatic trainings, therapy and readings

*Participating in a psychodynamic reading group

*My own individual and group therapy

*Frequent consultation and colleagueship

*Membership in the Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association

*Membership in the Iowa Psychological Association

*Reading, Podcasts and keeping up on current models and research

Education:

B.A., Psychology, Graceland University, 2005

M.S., Mental Health Counseling, Drake University, 2010

Specific Expertise Areas: Anxiety, Complex PTSD/Developmental Trauma, Depression, Life Transitions, Women’s Issues, Loneliness and Isolation, Identity Concerns, Family of Origin issues, Relationships, Anger and Shame, Chronic Pain, Stress/Chronic Stress, Grief, Parenting Struggles, perfectionism.

NARM® Informed Professional  since 2021

Licensure: State of Iowa, Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Employment: I have over 14 years experience working with individuals in university, group, private practice and community based settings.