About Me:
Laurie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist, who specializes in working with children and adults who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, self-harm, dissociation, disruptions in attachment, sexual abuse, and other trauma related issues. She is passionate about walking alongside her clients on their therapeutic journey. Laurie uses a combination of various treatments in sessions, including child-centered play therapy, Adlerian play therapy, EMDR, somatic integration, parts work, sand tray, attachment work, and mindfulness. Laurie provides a mindful, kind, and genuine environment, where clients are able to express themselves and feel safe. She is confident that every person can discover and access their intrinsic strengths and unique qualities. She is very passionate about providing the time and space for her clients to express and explore their thoughts, feelings and heal.
Laurie completed a Bachelor’s of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, from the University of Houston-Downtown, in 2007. She earned a Master’s of Science in Social Work, with a concentration in clinical studies, from the University of Houston, in 2010. She has seven years of experience working in a hospital setting providing crisis intervention and mental health crisis counseling to patients in the hospital. She has worked with clients of all ages and provided therapy for various issues such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, self-harm, and other acute mental health needs. She provided collaborative services to doctors and multi-disciplinary teams in the hospital to establish effective mental health treatment recommendations for her patients. She has also worked for an early head start program providing social and therapeutic services to children and families in the community.
Prior to becoming a therapist, Laurie worked in the school setting as an hourly lecturer in the classroom and worked for the City of Houston, Mayor's Anti-Gang program. In 2011, Laurie completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training program, and has experience teaching yoga to children and adults. She has also immersed herself in Zen Meditation and mindfulness courses. She utilizes yoga and mindfulness techniques in her practice with clients, as well as personally. Laurie retired from the U.S. Coast Guard after 24 years of service. Throughout her service in the U.S. Coast Guard, she held numerous roles in operational missions in Search and Rescue, Maritime Law Enforcement, and Maritime Pollution Response/Prevention. She truly enjoys providing service and assistance to others.
In her free time, Laurie enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and dogs, skateboarding, surfing, reading, practicing yoga, watching movies, and listening to music. She is passionate about animal welfare as well as social justice issues.
Education:
2010, Masters of Science in Social Work, University of Houston
2007, Bachelors of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Houston-Downtown-Cum Laude
License, Certifications:
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners (TSBWSE) - License - 54941
Registered Play Therapist - T4891 Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Additional Training/Memberships:
Member, National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Member, Association For Play Therapy (APT)
Depelchin Children's Center, Registered Play Therapist Certification Series
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) trained (EMDRIA certification in process) Level One Theraplay and Marschak Interaction Method trained-The Theraplay Institute
Phi Alpha Honor Society
Yoga Register Track, 200-Hour Teacher Training Program Certification-Living Yoga Program Advanced Mindfulness Certification, PESI
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional