“Dream of Freedom” painting by @ivana_zivic_j
About Lauren
Integrative Mental Health Therapist & Embodied Life-Coach
Interests: Compassionately challenging myself and others, finding flow state, intersections of modern science & ancient wisdom, animal conservation, dry witty sarcasm, ice cream on a cold day
Struggles: Mixing up my left and right, normalizing and destigmatizing Resting B*tch Face, balancing optimization with grace
Specialties: Attachment, Somatic Therapy, Mindfulness, IFS/Parts-Work, Recovery from Perfectionism, Polyvagal Theory & Nervous System Regulation, Cultivating Relationship with Your True Self, Anxiety/Depression, OCD, Eating Disorders, Movement for Whole-Person Health
Occidental College
BA in Psychology
Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa.
Emphasis in performance psychology, positive psychology, creative writing & expressive arts.
University of Southern California
Masters in Social Work
Dean’s List Honors
Specializing in health psychology, behavior change, evidence-based practices - CBT, ACT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing
A Bit of a Bio…
While studying psychology at Occidental College, I found myself drawn to Health Psychology and the interconnections between physical wellness and psychological well being. My studies affirmed what I already gleaned from my own experiences: the physical and the psychological are not two separate entities; rather they are inextricably linked to one another. With this understanding in mind, I returned to school and earned my Masters in Social Work from USC.
In addition to my theoretical and clinical proficiencies, as a certified 200-hour Yoga Teacher and Fitness Trainer, I also incorporate both the physical and philosophical practice of yoga/movement into my work with clients and have made it my professional life’s purpose to help individuals through a combination of movement, mindfulness, and contemplative introspection.
During my practicum and training I provided clinical services in both medical and mental health settings. I specialize in an integrative approach to treating anxiety, depression, eating disorders, challenges in life-stage transitions, relational difficulties, and identity/intrapersonal development through the lense of somatics and relational neuroscience.
In my spare time, I am a student of movement and fitness enthusiast who loves to spend time engaging in all things active and outside. Recently I have grown into the role of motherhood and take great pleasure in seeing the world anew (with criticalness and compassion) as I steward my children through early life.
Interested in working with me?
Schedule a complementary 15 minute consultation