I provide one-on-one sessions for adults and teenagers who are interested in longer-term, collaborative therapy. My practice is fully dedicated to working with individuals. I offer a caring space to process emotions, identify patterns, unlearn internalized beliefs, explore interpersonal dynamics, and cultivate self-compassion. If we decide to work together, you can expect to have another advocate on your team.

I offer all services via secure video or phone calls. I’ve previously worked out of an office in north Oakland, but am now fully remote due to the ongoing impact of covid. I appreciate that telehealth sessions are often more accessible for folks and I hope that we can still co-create a warm shared meeting place in zoomland. I invite you to join me with a tea or coffee, or to call in from your favorite nature spot.

Do you currently identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community? Are you questioning some aspect of your gender or sexuality? For nearly a decade, I have supported fellow queer folks with: self-exploration, coming out, accessing gender affirming care, navigating sociopolitical stress, healing from trauma, grieving loss, leaning into alternative relationship structures (poly, non-monogamy, chosen family), and celebrating authentic joy. I have provided individual and group therapy for LGBTQIA+ youth, teens, college students, elders, and all ages in between. I absolutely believe that queer and trans people are sacred and I only support affirming, non-shaming therapy services.

Have you been navigating life with a chronic illness for quite some time? Or are you adjusting to a new set of symptoms? I know firsthand how challenging and exhausting it can be to interface with the medical system. As a therapist and spoonie myself, I can help you with: self-advocacy, managing pain and fatigue, pacing, coping with ableism, addressing anxiety and depression, and building community. In late-stage capitalism, we are taught that our self-worth is tied to productivity. I understand the burden of medical debt, inaccessible care, and isolation. My work is grounded in disability justice and the awareness that we need each other to survive.

After many years in this field, I have embraced an approach that is rooted in liberation-based practice. I’ve shifted away from modalities that place the responsibility to heal solely upon the individual; instead, I’m focused on helping marginalized folks find validation, solidarity, and empowerment. Liberation psychology views therapy as one of many methods to access emotional and mental well-being. It respects ancestral wisdom and cultural context. As someone invested in your care, I view it as my responsibility to learn about historic and current events that impact you. I’m happy to read books and listen to podcasts alongside clients.

I’m experienced at caring for multiple types of trauma, including: episodic, complex, intergenerational, and collective. I know that there is a very real potential to cause harm as a therapist, so I take seriously the work of earning your trust and creating a safe container. I also honor your autonomy and choice when deciding what to share in our relationship. If and when revisiting old wounds, I will ask for your permission to show up in a way that is more directive. My intention is to gently guide, pace, and ground your process. I often use parts work (IFS) to learn about your coping strategies, protective instincts, tender places, inner resilience, and core self.

I believe that the quality of our therapeutic alliance is more meaningful than any specific tool or treatment plan. As a caretaker, I prioritize building sincere relationships. I’m not a blank slate in the room, but I am thoughtful about what I share. I do offer insight, encouragement, and resources. My style is interactive, engaged, honest, and expressive. I will frequently use our relationship to better understand patterns that might be showing up in other areas of your life (re: past and present). Additionally, I am interested in your connection to yourself. Together we will consider how healing happens in safe relationships and community spaces.

“I am extremely fortunate to be colleagues with Lauren. I deeply trust her clinical work and I know any client I refer to her would be in excellent care. She is skilled at attuning to each client and brings tremendous presence and warmth to her practice.”

“Lauren’s insights, intuition, and support have been invaluable as we’ve grown alongside one another over the years. She’s incredibly kind, thoughtful, and self-aware. I trust her implicitly and am confident in sending folks her way!”

“I’ve had the honor of working with Lauren since 2019 and she routinely impresses me with her humility, non-judgmental curiosity, and wisdom. I wholeheartedly recommend her as a therapist who can balance a no-nonsense approach with warmth and laughter.”