LGBT therapists in Springfield, MO

I’m Lauren Holder, M.S., P.L.P.C., and I’m honored to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing and growth. I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Missouri State University and have been practicing for over four years, helping individuals navigate the complexities of life with compassion.

My approach to therapy is collaborative and compassionate, recognizing that healing looks different for everyone. I draw primarily from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and culturally sensitive approaches to create a space that honors each person’s unique story and identity. I have worked in the mental health field for more than ten years, supporting adolescents, adults, and families through challenges related to mental health, challenging family dynamics, life changes, and substance use.

I work with individuals and families facing depression, anxiety, PTSD and trauma, identity issues, personality disorders, family conflict, and experiences related to immigration and adjustment. I also have experience supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community and those exploring questions of belonging and self-acceptance.

I believe everyone deserves a therapeutic relationship where they are seen, heard, accepted, and celebrated—a space where they can feel supported in making the changes that matter most to them. My goal is to offer a safe and empowering environment that helps clients reconnect with their strengths and move toward meaningful change.

I’m an affirming, open-minded therapist who works with adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, panic, stress, relationship challenges, identity concerns, and major life changes. I also support clients dealing with maternal mental health concerns, including the emotional weight that can come with pregnancy, postpartum changes, infertility, and adjusting to a new season of life.

Since earning my master’s in 2021, I have worked in mental health with both children and adults in settings including crisis care, which has deepened my understanding of how overwhelming life can feel when symptoms start affecting your relationships, confidence, and daily routine. My goal is to offer a space that feels warm, approachable, compassionate, and real.

Taking New Clients June 8th!

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and owner of Horizon Within Counseling. I work with children, teens, adult, couples and families, helping navigate anxiety, stress, trauma, life transitions, and relationship challenges. I offer a warm, collaborative and solution-focused approach , using evidence-based practices including EMDR to help clients feel empowered, build resilience, and move forward with greater purpose and balance.

I came to train and serve as a counselor after being helped by counseling in my 40s. Sometimes reaching out for help and making changes in life is scary and overwhelming. Sometimes we need support as we navigate these changes. I love to support my clients as they make life-giving changes.

Welcome! I am a licensed marriage and family therapist who works with individuals 13+ and couples of all shapes, sizes, statuses, and kinks! Healing does not happen in isolation, and I would be honored to hold space for healing community with you! I am a certified ADHD service provider who particularly enjoys working with 2SLGBTQIA+, religious trauma, identity issues, and those who feel at their wits end!

I believe in meeting my clients where they're at. They are the expert in their own story. I'm just here to listen, help process, maybe challenge, and encourage them in their journey. I went to Newman University for my Master's Degree and went on to get my Clinical License. I have worked with varying populations including teens, adults, geriatrics, the prison population, couples counseling, and Christian Counseling. I enjoy working with people who have been through trauma or grief or have experienced anxiety or depression.