About Lauren
Child & Adult Therapist

How I Got Here

I have been captivated by stories from an early age, whether it is a story from my mom, reading books or listening to my brother’s latest antics. That curiosity has grown into a purpose of connecting with other’s stories and trying to truly understand and empathize with them. In my sophomore year of high school, my own family faced a hardship when my dad broke his back in a worksite accident. From this dramatic change in my family, I began to realize my passion for helping others and desire to better understand people and how to truly help them where they are.

Education and Training

When I began to really consider how to turn my passion into a career, I began to search out what type of therapy would be the right fit for me. I began my college career at the University of Washington receiving a B.A. in Early Child and Family Studies which combines psychology, child development, and the role of family culture. Working with children has been fulfilling to me so I wanted to continue to learn and build a foundation of knowledge so that I could be a resource and advocate for children and their families. From there I went on to get my Masters of Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwest University located in Kirkland, WA. I had the opportunity of having a yearlong internship with the Y Social Impact Center working with teens and young adults from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. This opportunity reinforced that every person is unique, worthy of care and it was a blessing to walk alongside those that were striving to do the work despite pain, anxiety, and depression, to discover hope and meaning through a deeper knowledge of self.

Approach to Counseling

Through counseling I believe that it is possible to achieve the goals you set out to realize. I am passionate about meeting each person where they are, walking alongside them to do the hard work of being vulnerable and daring in approaching change. I come from an attachment lens, using DBT and bringing a person-centered approach into therapy.

In My Free Time

In my free time you will likely find me outside or spending time with my family. I try to get outside as often as I can, I find it extremely peaceful and regenerative. Paddle boarding, hiking, mountain biking, and skiing are some of the activities that nourish my self-care routine along with taking care of my dog Cleo!

Credentials

MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Northwest University
BA Early Child and Family Studies, University of Washington
Mental Health Counselor Associate License (LMHCA), Washington State

Contact us to book a counseling session in our Issaquah or Sammamish therapy office. Or, set up a FREE, 10-minute phone consultation by calling us at 425-269-3277.