About Laura
I am a native New Mexican with extensive experience working with people in crisis and survivors of abuse, violence, trauma and grief. I also work with individuals struggling with life changes and relationship challenges, and those seeking more meaning and greater fulfillment from life.
I work with adults in an outpatient setting using a combination of the following:
Art therapy
Sandplay therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness
My style is largely psychoeducational and directive, and I seek to balance acceptance and validation with encouragement toward realistic, and in some cases necessary change.
My theoretical orientation is a unique blend of transpersonal and cognitive – I view spirituality, creativity, and integration as essential elements of mental health and wholeness, while employing practical techniques drawn from conventional research-based treatments, recent discoveries in neurobiology, and an understanding of how the brain works, in order to meet the individual needs of each person with whom I work.
I employ mindfulness, art making, image formation, visioning, dream work, and the exploration of symbolic meaning and metaphor in session alongside techniques such as behavior charting, tracking and analysis of distorted thinking, cognitive re-framing, and emotional regulation skills. Often, I will also assign homework between sessions in order to maximize the benefit of our time together.
My goal is to provide a safe environment for healing and collaborate with clients to reach their highest potential.
I work with adults in an outpatient setting using a combination of the following:
Art therapy
Sandplay therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness
My style is largely psychoeducational and directive, and I seek to balance acceptance and validation with encouragement toward realistic, and in some cases necessary change.
My theoretical orientation is a unique blend of transpersonal and cognitive – I view spirituality, creativity, and integration as essential elements of mental health and wholeness, while employing practical techniques drawn from conventional research-based treatments, recent discoveries in neurobiology, and an understanding of how the brain works, in order to meet the individual needs of each person with whom I work.
I employ mindfulness, art making, image formation, visioning, dream work, and the exploration of symbolic meaning and metaphor in session alongside techniques such as behavior charting, tracking and analysis of distorted thinking, cognitive re-framing, and emotional regulation skills. Often, I will also assign homework between sessions in order to maximize the benefit of our time together.
My goal is to provide a safe environment for healing and collaborate with clients to reach their highest potential.
Training and Education
Education:
Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts - St. John's College
Master's Degree in Forensic Science - The George Washington University
Master's Degree in Art Therapy/Counseling - Southwestern College
Licenses:
Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LPCC), License #CCMH0130401 - New Mexico Counseling and Therapy Practice Board
Professional Art Therapist (LPAT), License #CAT0127681 - New Mexico Counseling and Therapy Practice Board
Licensed Clinical Professional Art Therapist (LCPAT), License #ATC192 - mdbnc.health.maryland.gov/pctverification/default.aspx
Licensed Profesional Counselor (LPC), License #0701007184 - dhp.virginiainteractive.org/Lookup/Index
Certificates:
Certified and Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC), Certification #08-138 - Art Therapy Credentials Board
National Certified Counselor (NCC), Certification #718101 - National Board for Certified Counselors
Art Therapy Certified Supervisor, Certification #08-138 - Art Therapy Credentials Board
Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), Certification #2712 - The Center for Credentialing and Education
Additional specialized training:
Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts - St. John's College
Master's Degree in Forensic Science - The George Washington University
Master's Degree in Art Therapy/Counseling - Southwestern College
Licenses:
Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LPCC), License #CCMH0130401 - New Mexico Counseling and Therapy Practice Board
Professional Art Therapist (LPAT), License #CAT0127681 - New Mexico Counseling and Therapy Practice Board
Licensed Clinical Professional Art Therapist (LCPAT), License #ATC192 - mdbnc.health.maryland.gov/pctverification/default.aspx
Licensed Profesional Counselor (LPC), License #0701007184 - dhp.virginiainteractive.org/Lookup/Index
Certificates:
Certified and Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC), Certification #08-138 - Art Therapy Credentials Board
National Certified Counselor (NCC), Certification #718101 - National Board for Certified Counselors
Art Therapy Certified Supervisor, Certification #08-138 - Art Therapy Credentials Board
Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), Certification #2712 - The Center for Credentialing and Education
Additional specialized training:
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Sensory Interventions with Traumatized Children, Adolescents, and Parents (SITCAP)
- Sandplay therapy
- Children's mental health
- Crisis assessment, intervention & prevention
- Clinical supervision - Counseling and Art Therapy
Current Work
I offer continuing education training and workshops in Ethics and Social Media; Using Art Therapy in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT); Art Therapy Interventions with Traumatized Children; Understanding and Working With Borderline Personality Disorder; The Nuts and Bolts of Starting a Private Practice; and Best Practices in Clinical Supervision.
For information about upcoming presentations and workshops, click HERE.
I also provide clinical supervision and consultation services in art therapy and mental health counseling.
Please use my contact form to inquire about scheduling a presentation or workshop for your organization, or for consultation/supervision.
For information about upcoming presentations and workshops, click HERE.
I also provide clinical supervision and consultation services in art therapy and mental health counseling.
Please use my contact form to inquire about scheduling a presentation or workshop for your organization, or for consultation/supervision.