Rate Laurie Nelson

Hello there! I'm a licensed therapist (MFT) for over 10 years, and have a warm, engaging and growth oriented approach. I've helped clients who are immersed in DEPRESSION and ANXIETY as well as those in a higher functioning place that simply need help navigating a specific struggle with guided support .** I use approaches like DBT( Dialectical Behavior Therapy)mixed with cognitive behavioral and mindfulness strategies. I'm trained in Psychodynamic theory as well, and see the importance of knowing why you get stuck along with the need for concrete strategies to move forward.* I have extensive experience in treating all types of Depression as well as Generalized Anxiety, PTSD, Social Anxiety, ADHD, difficulty with Anger Management and Emotional Regulation.

* I often help clients transform a harsh inner-critic into self acceptance, newfound confidence and increased capacity for joy. My goal is for you to gain strategies and insight that allow you to feel fully expressed, alive and authentic. I have specialized experience helping clients release the old stories and beliefs that keep them stuck in the status quo. By shining a light on what these are and where they come from, new possibilities and increased freedom of choice appear. I'll help you get unstuck , take small steps towards your goals and create momentum in the process!

*I've also worked extensively to help clients improve all aspects of relationships, with a big focus on communication and learning how to say what you mean, ask for what you want and better hear the other person as well. Whether it's at work, with a partner or a child, you can learn how to bring up difficult topics with more ease and confidence.

*As a therapist, I balance listening, supporting and giving you concrete strategies that are unique to your personality and situation. I'll challenge you with empathy and kindness when necessary and encourage you to move through fear and hesitation in order to move forward. I love helping clients explore the idea that life is happening FOR them and not TO them, which leads to feelings of empowerment vs victimization.

* My clients come away with the skill of using what life brings as a lesson to be learned. Once the lesson is learned, the need for the situation to repeat is gone. This is freeing and leads to a trust in all that life brings us. When appropriate, I also incorporate guided visualization, mindfulness meditation and body awareness into the sessions. These can be powerful ways to bring clarity and unexpected answers to the most difficult things you face. I live in CA with my husband, 2 daughters, 2 dogs and a cat. I love hiking, painting and teach hip hop dance which I love! Being a parent gives me personal as well as professional experience that I utilize when helping clients deal with the inevitable challenges of being part of a family.