Image description: Lauren, a white young-adult femme person with long brown hair, leaning against a wall and smiling at the camera.

Licensed Professional Counselor
​Pronouns: she/they

As a counselor, I work collaboratively with my clients to help facilitate growth, healing, and a meaningful life and relationships that are based on their values, rather than on what society has told them they should be.

In the words of Sheree Bliss Tilsley:
I will not rescue you,
For you are not powerless.
I will not fix you,
For you are not broken.
I will not heal you,
For I see you, in your wholeness.
I will walk with you through the darkness,
As you remember your light.

Approach

My theoretical orientation draws largely from emotionally focused therapy, mindfulness and somatic approaches, experiential models, and anti-oppressive approaches. As each individual, relationship, or group is unique, I will use a variety of skills and techniques to ensure that I am meeting my clients' needs in the way that feels comfortable and empowering for them. This exploration process is done is a safe, compassionate, and accepting environment and may include self-exploration, somatic body work, learning new skills, and utilizing creative modalities.

​I am actively antiracist, fat-positive, and knowledgeable and affirming in queer issues, kink, and consensual non-monogamy.

Education

I hold a Masters of Science in Counseling from Portland State University and have a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Portland State University. 
I have additional specialized training in trauma, crisis intervention, queer identities, sex therapy, and expressive arts therapies. 

As an adjunct faculty member at Portland State University, I teach courses on trauma informed care, non-traditional relationships and families, art therapy, and sex therapy. 

Professional Memberships include:
American Counseling Association
North American Drama Therapy Association 
International Association of Trauma Professionals