Laura Shaffner

Hello, I'm Laura!

I specialize in helping women who feel anxious, unseen, or emotionally stuck in their relationships reconnect with their self-worth and boundaries. My work focuses on healing attachment wounds, calming emotional reactivity, and building healthier patterns of connection. Together we move beyond self-blame and confusion toward grounded confidence, clarity, and the capacity to feel safe being fully yourself — both alone and in love.

In our first session together, you can expect a warm and welcoming space where your experiences are valued and respected. I prioritize active listening, dedicating this initial meeting to understanding the unique narratives that bring you to therapy. We'll explore the reasons behind seeking therapy at this particular moment, discussing your goals and what you hope to achieve through our sessions. Additionally, we'll begin to delve into aspects of your life history, offering insights into the factors that have shaped your current experiences. This collaborative exploration sets the foundation for a therapeutic journey tailored to your needs, fostering a sense of trust and understanding as we work towards positive change and growth.

As a therapist, my greatest strengths lie in my profound compassion, the ability to create a safe and nurturing environment, and a unique perspective shaped by my own lived experience in therapy from my own early adulthood. I bring genuine empathy to each session, fostering a supportive space where clients feel heard and understood. Having undergone my own therapeutic journey addressing family dynamics, women's issues, and anxiety, I intimately understand the courage it takes to embark on such a process. This personal experience enables me to connect with clients on a deeper level, providing insights and guidance grounded in both professional expertise and a genuine understanding of the transformative power of therapy.

I use the framework of holistic psychology primarily in my work, along with incorporating other frameworks that may best suit you. This may include cognitive-behavioral, strengths based, or psychodynamic, along with somatic exercises and mindfulness techniques as modalities for self-care. Holistic psychology believes that healing is a conscious process that can be lived daily through changes in our habits and patterns.

You can expect to leave our first session feeling safe, seen, heard, and supported. I will work with you through your presenting challenges and support you every step of the way.