ABOUT LAURA
I graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors in psychology and women's studies from Duke University. After spending several years conducting research in the field of psychology, I realized that the applied part of the field—that is, working directly with clients in therapy—was where my interests truly lay. This led me to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology at The Illinois School of Professional Psychology-Chicago, graduating with honors with a focus on couples and family therapy. Today, my research background and training in relationship and family dynamics continue to inform my work with individuals and couples. I find the research on attachment and neurobiology to be particularly useful to my own and my clients’ understanding of how patterns of relating to others develop and how, through our work together, we can create lasting change.
During my graduate training I fell in love with Chicago but, being a native Texan, was happy to return to my home state for a psychology internship at the University of Texas at Austin. After completing my internship, I was hired as a senior staff psychologist at UT’s Counseling and Mental Health Center, where I spent the next decade working with students, faculty, and staff in both clinical and training roles, as well as supervising masters- and doctoral-level trainees in the provision of group psychotherapy and outreach. During this time, I also established a part-time private practice in psychotherapy. In 2013, I entered into full-time private practice in order to more fully devote myself to clinical work.
I am a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Texas and a nationally Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP). Because therapists are best equipped to help their clients when they are committed to their own ongoing personal and professional growth, I am a longstanding member of a training and consultation group for mental health professionals. I am an active member of the American Group Psychotherapy Association and the Austin Group Psychotherapy Society, on whose Board I served for four years. I am also a founding member and, during my tenure at UT, was an executive committee member of the national Association for College and University Counseling Center Outreach.
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