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)
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, 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 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)
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, 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 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 (ATCS), 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 (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.