radical realness therapy
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radical realness therapy
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Hello, I'm Laura

(she/her/they)

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

I work with sensitive, creative, and gifted adults who tend to carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. I am passionate about helping my clients find greater resilience and a sense of purpose in their lives.

In session, I’m an engaged therapist. I ask questions, share resources, teach skills, guide meditation practices, and offer genuine feedback. I have a knack for explaining the science of being human to clients in a way that they can directly apply to their lives. I appreciate that there is always more to learn.

I identify as a white, queer, and AuDHD (ADHD & Autistic) person who lives with chronic illness and disabilities. I care deeply about intersectional issues of social and racial justice, developing climate crisis resilience, and approach therapy through an anti-oppressive lens. I am a member of the COVID-Conscious Therapists Directory, and continue to advocate for greater public awareness and research into LONG COVID, ME/CFS, and related conditions.

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What I Bring to the Table

Humor, honesty, compassion, my own lived experience, and evidence-based knowledge of behaviors that make us healthier and happier in our lives.

I’ll point out patterns you may not have seen, highlight the strengths you may have discounted, and remind you that you are the best expert at being authentically and beautifully you in this world.

I incorporate mindfulness & self-compassion exercises, behavioral therapies, family systems theory, trauma-informed & somatic practices, and interpersonal neurobiology into my work.

Whether we are working on building practical skills or exploring your personal history, I will be patient, non-judgmental, and collaborative in my approach.

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Education

  • Master of Science in Marriage & Family Therapy, The Family Institute at Northwestern University (2012)

  • Master of Science in Library and Information Science, Dominican University (2005)

  • Bachelor of Arts in Modern Literature, University of California, Santa Cruz (2003)

 
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Experience

After finishing my graduate education, I worked as a staff therapist on the Mindfulness & Behavioral Therapies Team at The Family Institute at Northwestern University, and at The Chicago Center for Relationship Counseling.

I have lectured on numerous topics, including trauma-informed practices, the impact of systemic oppression on LGBTQIA clients, and coping with personality disorders in the family system. I have also co-facilitated graduate courses and supervised for MFT interns.

In 2016, I opened my private practice, Radical Realness Therapy.


 
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Training

I am always looking for new research and trainings that will improve my skills as a therapist.

Topics I focus on include ADHD, Autism, & neurodivergence; trauma and somatic healing; and the use of mindfulness meditation and self-compassion in therapy.

My training includes:

  • Somatosensory-Informed Therapy for Clients with Sensory Processing Issues

  • Neurodivergent-Affirming Therapy

  • Climate-Aware Psychotherapy

  • Eye-Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) and Attachment-Focused EMDR

  • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

 
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Let’s Discuss How I Can Help

Have more questions about starting therapy?

I offer new clients a free 20 Minute Phone Consultation.

 

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