Hi, I’m Lauren.

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the states of New Jersey and New York. I have been a practicing psychotherapist for more than 10 years. I help people find their way as they navigate the complexities of motherhood, parenthood, young adulthood and midlife. I try to be the kind of therapist that I would like to see: I am passionate about helping people become their best selves, I truly care about my clients, and I am dedicated to continually expanding my knowledge and skill set.

WHAT ARE SESSIONS LIKE?
Sessions with me are always conversational. I provide warmth and a safe connection as I actively listen, support you, and gently challenge you when necessary. We will work to develop tools for you to use beyond your time in therapy. We might practice breathing, grounding or mindfulness techniques if you find those things helpful. We might also put pen to paper if that works for you. We will likely share a laugh at some point. Typically, you’ll leave a session with feedback or a new strategy to experiment with in daily life. It is important to me that you feel comfortable giving me feedback, too, and feel comfortable asking questions. I believe good therapy is a collaborative process.

MODALITIES, TRAINING AND APPROACH
In my work, I take an integrative view of wellbeing and account for mind, body, spirit, culture, and environment. I offer person-centered talk therapy, rooted in the premise that you are the expert in your own life, and draw on concepts from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I hold a certificate in Maternal Mental Health from Postpartum Support International and continue with ongoing perinatal mental health education. I am trained in EMDR through a perinatal lens and have completed two years of Somatic Experiencing training, out of a three-year course of study. I also have training in IFS-informed parts work and Inner Relationship Focusing (IRF). I approach my work with openness to all experiences, identities, body sizes, races, cultures and backgrounds.

MY EXPERIENCE
Working with parents—moms, most frequently—is a thread that runs through my career as a therapist in various settings. When I became a mother myself, I understood how important it is to have dedicated support. Over the past decade, I have served a wide range of people and symptoms from mild to severe. I provided therapy in community clinics in New York City for nearly 10 years, primarily at the Jewish Board for Family and Children’s Services. I have served as a generalist and I have done specialized work with children, mothers, teens, young adults, and autistic clients and their families. I have also completed 300+ hours of Pilates teacher training, and this informs the body-centered work we might do together. Clinical social work is my second career. I worked as an editor for 10 years in publishing and media settings.

DEGREES
I received my Master’s in Social Work from New York University. I also hold an M.A. in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin. I received my B.A. in Spanish Language and Literature from Washington University in St. Louis.