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 people struggling with life changes, relationship challenges, and those seeking more meaning and greater fulfillment from life.
I work with adults and adolescents in an outpatient setting using a combination of the following:
Art therapy
Sandplay therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
My style is largely psychoeducational and directive, and I seek to balance acceptance and validation with encouragement toward realistic change.
My theoretical orientation is a blend of transpersonal and cognitive – I view spirituality, creativity, and authentic self-expression as essential elements of mental health and wholeness. I also use practical interventions drawn from conventional research-based treatments informed by an understanding of how the brain works. My goal is to meet the unique needs of each client.
In our work together, you can expect to use mindfulness, art making, imaginal knowing, dream work, and the exploration of meaning in session alongside techniques such as behavior charting, tracking and analysis of distorted thinking, cognitive re-framing, and emotional regulation skills. Often, I will assign homework between sessions in order to maximize the benefit of our time together.
I value providing a safe and confidential environment for healing and collaborate with clients to reach their highest potential.
I work with adults and adolescents in an outpatient setting using a combination of the following:
Art therapy
Sandplay therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
My style is largely psychoeducational and directive, and I seek to balance acceptance and validation with encouragement toward realistic change.
My theoretical orientation is a blend of transpersonal and cognitive – I view spirituality, creativity, and authentic self-expression as essential elements of mental health and wholeness. I also use practical interventions drawn from conventional research-based treatments informed by an understanding of how the brain works. My goal is to meet the unique needs of each client.
In our work together, you can expect to use mindfulness, art making, imaginal knowing, dream work, and the exploration of meaning in session alongside techniques such as behavior charting, tracking and analysis of distorted thinking, cognitive re-framing, and emotional regulation skills. Often, I will assign homework between sessions in order to maximize the benefit of our time together.
I value providing a safe and confidential environment for healing and collaborate with clients to reach their highest potential.
Training and Education
Education:
B.A in Liberal Arts - St. John's College
M.S. in Forensic Science - The George Washington University
M.A. in Art Therapy/Counseling - Southwestern College
Ph.D. in Transformative Studies - California Institute of Integral Studies
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 (ATCS), Certification #08-138 - Art Therapy Credentials Board
Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), Certification #2712 - The Center for Credentialing and Education
Additional specialized training:
B.A in Liberal Arts - St. John's College
M.S. in Forensic Science - The George Washington University
M.A. in Art Therapy/Counseling - Southwestern College
Ph.D. in Transformative Studies - California Institute of Integral Studies
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 (ATCS), 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)
- Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- 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 many continuing education and workshops in professional ethics, working with social media and telehealth, and case documentation.
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.
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.