Laura Essen, LCSW, is a highly skilled psychotherapist boasting an impressive 36-year tenure in private practice, where she focuses on assisting adults during their most turbulent times. Her expertise covers a wide array of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and the complex effects of trauma. Laura extends her compassionate support to individuals grappling with self-esteem challenges, navigating grief, addressing relationship difficulties, and healing from childhood abuse. A published author, she co-wrote the insightful book ‘Adult Survivors of Childhood Emotional, Physical & Sexual Abuse: Dynamics & Treatment,’ underscoring her comprehensive understanding of these subjects. In addition, Laura is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and a Certified Telehealth Practitioner, ensuring she meets the evolving needs of her clients. Recognizing that the lasting impacts of trauma and abuse require intentional healing, Laura cultivates a safe, empathic, and non-judgmental environment where clients feel secure to explore their deepest struggles. Collaboratively, they delve into the root causes of their challenges, empowering clients to break free from self-sabotaging patterns and adopt healthier coping mechanisms. Utilizing a broad spectrum of therapeutic modalities, including mindfulness-based approaches, cognitive behavioral therapy, and trauma-informed care, Laura aims to foster both healing and resilience in her clients.
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Eating Disorders
Family Stress
General Mental Health
Grief
PTSD/Trauma
Panic Attacks
Parenting
Relationship Stress
Therapy Types
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Compassion Focused
Culturally Sensitive
Eclectic
Emotionally Focused
Existential
Family / Marital
Humanistic
Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
Person-Centered
Positive Psychology
Psychodynamic
Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
Trauma Focused
Age Groups
Adult (18 to 65)
Elder (65+)
Modalities
Couples
Individuals
Languages
English (US)
**Interview with Laura Essen, LCSW**
*Interviewer:* Thank you for joining us today, Laura. With an impressive 36 years in private practice, what inspired you to become a psychotherapist?
*Laura Essen:* Thank you for having me! My passion for helping others truly stems from witnessing the struggles individuals face during difficult times. I’ve always believed in the transformative power of therapy and wanted to be a catalyst for healing and personal growth.
*Interviewer:* You offer a range of services targeting various mental health issues. Could you share more about the specific issues you most frequently assist clients with?
*Laura Essen:* Absolutely! I work predominantly with individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, and the aftermath of trauma. Additionally, I support clients in navigating grief, relationship stress, and self-esteem challenges. Each person’s journey is unique, and often, these issues are interconnected, so I take a holistic approach to therapy.
*Interviewer:* It’s evident that you’re very compassionate in your practice. How do you create a safe space for clients to explore their struggles?
*Laura Essen:* Creating a safe, non-judgmental environment is essential in therapy. I focus on establishing trust from the first session—clients need to feel secure and understood. I engage actively with them, listening with empathy and providing support, so they can openly discuss their experiences without fear of judgment.
*Interviewer:* You mentioned that you’re a published author. Can you tell us about your book and how it reflects your work?
*Laura Essen:* Yes! I co-authored ‘Adult Survivors of Childhood Emotional, Physical & Sexual Abuse: Dynamics & Treatment.’ Writing this book was a pivotal moment for me. It encapsulates my understanding of the long-lasting impacts of childhood abuse and the therapeutic approaches that help individuals heal. I wanted to provide a resource that could guide both therapists and survivors in understanding these complex dynamics.
*Interviewer:* That’s remarkable! Lastly, how do you incorporate different therapeutic modalities in your practice?
*Laura Essen:* I utilize a variety of approaches depending on the needs of my clients. Mindfulness-based therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and trauma-informed care are among the modalities I employ. The goal is to empower clients to engage with their emotions, break free from harmful patterns, and adopt healthy coping mechanisms. The diversity in therapeutic techniques allows me to tailor treatments that resonate with each individual’s unique journey.
*Interviewer:* Thank you, Laura, for sharing your insights and experiences. It’s clear that your dedication to helping others truly makes a difference.
*Laura Essen:* Thank you for having me. I sincerely believe in the healing journey and hope to continue making a positive impact in my clients’ lives.
