LMFT (License #001548) practicing in New York State offering individual and couples therapy.
Hi! My name is Lauren, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) offering individual psychotherapy, relationship counseling and marital/pre-marital coaching and sex therapy/education to address a variety of personal and interpersonal obstacles you may be experiencing.
As a LMFT I am specifically trained to think systemically and examine each individual from a relational lens. Our relationships with the various facets of our lives (professional/educational, hobbies/interests, social/romantic, health, gender, sexuality, socioeconomic status, spiritual/religious beliefs, etc.) permit us to form a sense of identity, community and self-worth. When these relationships are inconsistent, in turmoil, or stripped from us as is presently occurring for many due to the consequences of COVID-19, we experience behavioral and cognitive consequences. These ‘consequences’ often come in forms of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and ambivalence.
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I not only specialize in romantic and familial relationships, I equally specialize in all relational areas (as we are relational beings) and provide the tools to gain self awareness and rework those relational areas that may be contributing to your presenting concerns. This may be different from other licensed professionals (LMHC, LCSW, PhD, PsyD) as I do not primarily operate from a DSM diagnostic perspective (implying presented concerns come from within the individual). Although we can examine a diagnosis if appropriate and/or desired, I am specifically trained to look at behavior from a relational and social context, focusing on micro and macro systems that directly impact our well-being. No one lives in a social vacuum, consequently our relationships with those around us have a profound impact on our mental well-being and behavior.
While we cannot alter difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better recognize present perceptions and behaviors that may be road blocking your true potential. When we do not adhere to society’s expectations about how people are supposed to be, feel and act, we start to feel more and more conflicted. As your therapist, I consider all aspects and complexities of your world and provide a safe, objective and constructive atmosphere to work towards your well-being. Our therapeutic work together will aim to empower you to revise your current narrative and develop your own unique stories that you'll find work for you and not against.
To help you achieve your goals I use effective, evidence based short-term therapy. By applying complementary, integrative therapy techniques and approaches, including Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy and Imago Couples counseling, we will uncover long-standing patterns or perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more meaningful, conscious and fulfilling life.
“Compassion is one of the few things we can practice that will bring immediate and long-term happiness to our lives.”
