Why Choose Me as Your Psychotherapist

With over 20 years of experience in providing counseling, I have helped countless individuals through difficult times. My extensive expertise equips me to handle a wide variety of issues with appropriate guidance and care.

I believe in a personalized approach to therapy. Each person is unique, and I tailor my approach to meet the specific needs of the person, ensuring you get the most effective care possible.

Compassionate care is at the heart of my practice. I treat every person with kindness and respect, providing a safe space where you can feel heard and supported without judgment.

I understand that life is busy, so I offer flexible scheduling options. This includes evening and weekend appointments to accommodate your needs, making therapy accessible and convenient for you. I offer in-person or telehealth appointments in Bakersfield, CA, as well as telehealth appointments for those located in California.

My Approach to Therapy

As your counselor, I use a variety of techniques, many of them evidence-based, to help you achieve your goals. My approach is holistic and considers all aspects of your life, including emotional, social, and environmental factors.

• CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy): Helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. This is effective in addressing a wide range of issues.

• DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy): Assists individuals experiencing rapidly shifting emotions and behaviors. This skills-based approach resolves interpersonal issues.

• Seeking Safety: Developed to help mainly women who experience an overlap of traumatic experiences and problematic use of alcohol or other drugs.

• Matrix: Designed to address the problematic use of substances.

• EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) and EFIT (Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy): Both developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, these therapies delve deeply into emotions and their impact on relationships. EFT is often used for couples, while EFIT is used in individual therapy.

What to Expect in Therapy

During our sessions, you can expect a warm and welcoming environment. I will listen to your concerns and work with you to develop goals that meet your needs. Therapy is a collaborative process, and I encourage active participation. Together, we will explores your goals, identify obstacles and develop strategies to overcome them.

Services Offered

Here’s a detailed overview of the services provided:

Individual Counseling

Focus on personal growth and mental health. Whether you’re dealing with specific mental health issues or looking for general support, individual counseling can provide the guidance and support you need.

Couples Therapy

Strengthen your relationship with guided counseling. Couples therapy can help address relationship issues, improve communication, and build a stronger connection between partners.

Family Counseling

Resolve family issues and improve communication. Family counseling helps families navigate conflicts, improve family dynamics, and support each member in a safe environment.

Behavioral Health Counseling

Manage behaviors through evidence-based techniques. This type of therapy is beneficial for those dealing with behavioral issues, stress, or seeking behavior modification strategies.

Evidence-Based Therapy for Lasting Results

Using evidence-based counseling techniques, I ensure that each session is productive and leads to meaningful change. This approach is grounded in research and proven to be effective in treating various mental health issues. Whether you’re seeking therapy for anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or other mental health concerns, evidence-based therapy can provide the tools and strategies needed for lasting improvement.

Get Started on Your Journey to Better Mental Health

Ready to make a change? Contact Laurel today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you. Whether you’re seeking individual counseling, couples therapy, or family counseling, I’m here to help. With a focus on personalized care and evidence-based techniques, I am dedicated to supporting your mental health journey every step of the way.

Taking the first step towards better mental health can be daunting, but you’re not alone. At Laurel’s practice, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

By choosing therapy with Laurel, you’re opting for a compassionate, personalized approach to mental health care. I look forward to supporting you on your journey to better mental health and well-being.