Meet Lauren
I work with both adolescents and adults (ages 12-65) experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, family conflict, major life transitions/planning, and challenges related to identity. I have a particular passion for working with men, individuals who are neurodiverse (ADHD and ASD), in religious recovery, identify as Latinx, navigating queerness, and/or are experiencing challenges related to oppressive cultural expectations. Occasionally, I will work with couples to improve communication, learn skills for co-regulation, and identify problematic patterns/dynamics within the relationship.
My clients are often skilled performers and are perceived by others as easy-going and confident. Internally, my clients often struggle to trust their various emotional experiences. “Why am I feeling this? I’m too emotional, this is irrational - there must be something wrong with me. Others don't seem to struggle like I do.” You may be experiencing feelings of disconnection from those around you, sometimes even friends. You may be exhausted from masking your difficulties, you may find yourself feeling very lonely. You really just want to feel "normal."
Your goals might be to increase your sense of self: self-confidence, self-knowledge, self-efficacy, and self-trust. They might also include reducing feelings of shame and uncertainty, and addressing physical manifestations of distress such as sleep disturbance, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and irregular breathing or heart rate. Some goals might include skill-building around effective communication and mindful practices. When necessary, I may encourage you to complete an assignment, work towards a task, or practice a skill in-between sessions.
If you relate to the experience described here, please will reach out. I will provide a welcoming space where you will be met with empathy, non-judgement, and curiosity. I am patient if you need time to warm up to the therapeutic relationship and understand that this can take time. I believe that you already possess everything you need in order to experience healing and am honored to be along for the ride.
Lauren Graham
LCMHCA