Preteen Therapists in Ligonier, PA

Art Therapy, Psychotherapy-specialize in PTSD treatment stemming from sexual abuse and/or domestic violence-depression-anxiety-grief and loss treatment

I believe that the core to effective therapy is a strong and trusting relationship between therapist and client. Within this working relationship we can explore deeper issues and learn healthier ways of coping and bringing about positive change. People have within themselves the ability to heal but finding that inner strength is sometimes limited by unhealthy coping skills, stress, trauma and grief. It is important to treat the whole person, not just the addiction. I utilize a Person Centered/Strength Based Approach in helping clients reach their goals.

I enjoy working with children, adolescents, families, and adults. In particular, I work with individuals (and their families) impacted by traumatic stress. I would describe traumatic stress as an "unhealed wound." These wounds can manifest themselves in disruptive behaviors, defiance, anxiety, depression, struggles with focus, aggression, self-injury, perfectionism and substance use. When wounds are triggered it is common for the person to engage in a fight, flight, or freeze response. The trauma oriented work that I offer assists people of all ages to engage in more effective responses to their wounds. The fight, flight, or freeze response goes away.

Throughout life's journey, there are many paths, some more challenging than others. As we learn to make healthy habits part on of our lives, we become happier and more fulfilled in other areas. Counseling can help one work through many challenges such as: Stress, Depression, Anxiety, Work-Related Issues, Adolescent stressors (I have been working with adolescents for over 20 years in various settings), Parenting Issues, such as the unique challenges mother's of multiples encounter (I have personal experience with this, as I have twin boys), Grief and Loss,Pre-marital counseling,Marriage and Family difficulties, and Wellness.

I’ve spent my career working with individuals diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, and other behavioral diagnosis in several settings including home, school, and community. I’ve also worked with teens and young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, parent-child conflict, and truancy concerns. I like to use an eclectic approach to therapy that includes CBT, System’s theory, Play Therapy, and Solution Focused therapy in order to individualize sessions to each client’s needs. I’m very passionate about providing a welcoming and open approach that allows for both personal and emotional growths.

Have you been struggling with trying to figure out a better way to manage your life and situations? Do you find it hard to have motivation to do things? Do you struggle with adversity and managing stressors? Do you have issues with addictions? I try to be non-judgmental and supportive to validate people and help them learn new ways of coping and living to improve their quality of life. I also run Art Therapy groups to increase insight and mindfulness about symptoms/coping skills, which have been effective in improving moods and decreasing stress, creating a sense of community, and a family away from family (but not during COVID).

Laurie specializes in treating children with Autism Spectrum Disorder as well as providing Individual Therapy to children, adolescents and young adults with a variety of mental health disorders. Laurie works closely with clients and their families in addressing mental health concerns. She provides treatment to individuals with a wide range of emotional, neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorders including: depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, OCD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, language and learning disorders, mood disorders, conduct disorders and oppositional defiant disorders.

I enjoy helping clients that are ready to create positive change in their lives through working on various life issues such as grief and loss, trauma, depression, anxiety, and PTSD.