Therapists in Davis, CA

Therapy is a collaborative process that can help you live a full and authentic life. While some people think of treatment as a way to address acute and uncomfortable symptoms, it can also be a tool for personal development. Most humans engage in repetitive and self-defeating behaviors that interfere with emotional freedom and growth. My goal as your collaborator and guide is to help you identify those cycles and explore new ways of being in the world to achieve a joyful and fulfilling life.

In my practice, I help clients with a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, grief, family stress and conflict. I provide therapy to families and couples, as well as young adults and teens. I like to work collaboratively with clients to identify issues and help bring relief from relationship conflicts, negative emotions, and life transitions.

With nearly 20 years of clinical experience, I enjoy working with clients of all ages and stages. I have extensive skills in working with children, teens, adults, families & couples.

As humans we possess the incredible capacity to collaborate with, depend upon, and connect with others. These innate skills enhance our ability to cope under harsh life circumstances. Asking for help is the first step to enhancing your own abilities and skills of connection, healing, growth, self-awareness and so much more. If you are ready to take this step and team up with another to improve your life, send me an email or give me a call!

I will help you create a calm and safe space so you explore your relationships with yourself and others. This safety will help you open up more vulnerable experiences which I can help you process and have a greater insight and relief from your emotional pain. Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) and EMDR and EMDR M (Modified, Laurel Parnell’s training) attachment trauma therapy help you process stuck patterns either from trauma or "negative cycles" with loved ones or with your inner self. These cycles repeat endlessly and can be very distressing. I work extensively with shame and the inner critic to help you settle and open up more

Life can be challenging at times. However, I believe that people have an amazing ability to heal and transform negative patterns that are no longer serving them, as well as develop more meaningful ways to approach life's hurdles. We can often get stuck during difficult moments, and outside support can be helpful during these times. As my client, I will support and encourage you to identify the solutions that are best for your life. I understand that deciding to reach out for help can be intimidating. My treatment approach will respect and honor your individual process.

I provide psychological testing and evaluation to address challenges related to memory, attention (ADHD), learning disabilities (dyslexia, dyscalculia and/or dysgraphia), and emotional/behavioral difficulties (autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, depression, etc). In addition to assessment, I also provide individual counseling to build skills that foster independence and increase self-confidence. I utilize play therapy strategies to build self-esteem, and address anxiety and other concerns.

Is something in your life not quite working the way you would like? Are you feeling stuck? It can often be helpful to talk though some of the issues we are struggling with in a therapeutic relationship that feels understanding, safe, and compassionate. Human beings aren't meant to "go it alone". In fact, feeling alone is inherently traumatizing itself. I have been licensed for over 20 years, working with individuals, couples, and families to heal their relationships, and to overcome trauma, depression, and addictions.

I enjoy working with many types of concerns and challenges, as well as folks with alternative lifestyles and identities. I have experience working with the Davis community and UCD faculty, staff and students for over 10 years, as well as two years experience working at The Gender Health Center in Sacramento.

I specialize in anxiety, including panic attacks and social anxiety. Through our work together, you will learn practical strategies to address your challenges. We will tailor evidence-based techniques for your unique context to help you manage stress and improve emotional well-being. My approach is compassionate and non-judgmental to ensure a safe space for your personal development. I have been a clinician since 2006 and use a variety of Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Evidence Based practices that I will personalize to fit your individual goals.

I find it useful to combine your goals for change as well as the aim to get to know yourself better as the foundation for therapy. My training in trauma and LGBTQ+ informed care is foundational to my work with you. I have training and experience working with many different presenting issues and identities, as well as clients' support systems (partners, parents, families, children.) I work relationally with individuals, families, and couples.

I have an extensive experience of 15 years in providing psychotherapy and counseling services to individuals of all ages, from childhood to older adulthood. If you or someone you know is struggling with chronic anxiety, persistent depression, past traumas, life transitions, feelings of disconnection, substance abuse, or an unrelenting inner critic, please contact me. I can assist you in increasing your confidence, resolving emotional pain, gaining personal insight, and creating a fulfilling life worth living. Don't let these issues hold you back - take charge of your life today.

I offer a warm, compassionate, down-to-earth, non-judgmental style that lends itself to creating a safe and trusting therapeutic environment for healing, growth and change. I work actively and collaboratively with you to develop an integrated approach to treatment that is tailored to suit your unique concerns and goals. We may explore historical and current emotions, thoughts and behavior patterns that are keeping you from more meaningful relationships, esteem and the quality of life you want. I encourage your feedback and am flexible to work with your changing needs.

Do you feel over sensitive or misunderstood, or that patterns keep repeating in your life? Therapy is a unique experience that gets under the patterns to see why and how they got you into a negative space-and then to help get unstuck. Working through your experience of loss can help make sense of the depression or anxiety that are taking too much or your time and energy. That unlocks the natural development of healthy self esteem. Therapy helps you reclaim yourself from the 'unfinished business' of life stresses. Please inquire through email LauraShlien@gmail.com, as calls from this site may get lost and I want to respond to you

Are you distressed? Anxious? Wish life felt more positive? Would you, on your own or with your partner, like to work through what's bothering you, improve relationships, and feel more confident in going for what you want? Perhaps you'd like support to explore and understand what you're experiencing, and help to make some changes. Meeting with a therapist for time focused solely on you can help you on your journey. With warmth, professionalism, and gentle humor, I'm eager to get to know and work collaboratively with you, to help you find your new path.

At this moment you feel lost, disconnected from your path/career, and unsure how to find self-fulfillment while experiencing intense expectations of others. You know you need help and don't know where to turn. Explaining how lost you feel to others will make you more vulnerable than you wish to feel. You feel alone and know that something has to change. The stress of school and/or work is insurmountable, and sharing these feelings with friends and family is impossible. Your stress causes intense pressure and anxiety which is affecting every aspect of your life.

What goes on in your mind, plays out in your body, and becomes your reality in your world. Whether you are entering therapy for the first time or you are looking to refine changes in your life, you are starting on a journey of self discovery which is deeply personal and courageous. Each person arrives with their own unique life story, strengths, barriers and goals. Therapy is a collaborative process. I believe my role is to create a non-judgmental, warm, respectful, and safe environment.

Therapy is the first step in finally letting go of the struggle and stepping into a life that makes you happy. I want to help my clients develop meaningful insights that will contribute to better self-awareness and personal growth. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 10 years of experience in the field. I provide support and guidance to individuals who deal with issues such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, and relationship problems.

Mental health is a part of living a healthy and happy life. It is closely connected to our emotions and it could affect us physiologically. Please join me to maintain your mental hygiene and begin or continue your journey to happiness. If you feel sad, depressed, worried, anxious, or lonely let us talk. If you need assistance communicating with your teenage child; just call.