About Me:
Laurie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist, who specializes in working with children who may be struggling with various behavioral presentations such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, attachment, and other trauma related issues. She is passionate about providing therapy to children. Laurie utilizes a combination of child-centered play therapy, strengths-based, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapy with her clients. Laurie provides a mindful, kind, and genuine environment, where clients are able to express themselves and feel safe. She is confident that every child is unique and has strengths, and that every child can access and discover their intrinsic strengths and unique qualities. She has always enjoyed working with children of all ages and is very passionate about providing the time and space for her clients to express their thoughts and feelings.
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 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 is a veteran and has served on active duty and as a reservist in the United States Coast Guard for 21 years. She truly enjoys service to others and working to assist and empower others who may be in need.
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
License, Certifications:
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners (TSBWSE) -
License - 54941
Registered Play Therapist - T4891
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Internal Family Systems Trained -PESI
Additional Training/Memberships:
Member, National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Depelchin Children's Center, Registered Play Therapist Certification Series
Phi Alpha Honor Society
Member, Association For Play Therapy (APT)
Member, Sam Houston Association For Play Therapy (SHAPT)
Member, International Association of Trauma Professionals
Advanced Mindfulness Certification, PESI
Yoga Register Track, 200-Hour Teacher Training Program Certification