About Lauren
Our journey leads to healing
Hi, my name is Lauren Thomas and if you are reading this, chances are that this is our first introduction and I am so happy you are here! Finding the right therapist can be similar to finding the perfect pair of shoes to fit the journey of life you have been walking on. Choosing therapy with me is all about YOU! I will always do my best to check in, see how you are doing, and make you feel comfortable while challenging you to grow and change. I will walk with you and at your pace to make sure all the work we do together is enjoyable as much as it is healing.
Our first session will consist of me learning more about you and what you would like to get out of therapy, and it will also be a time for you to start getting comfortable. I will ask you things like “have you had any previous therapy experience,” and “do you have any pressing feelings/situations that we can review” and “what would you like to focus on” in connection with your goals.
Typical sessions with me will be about 55 minutes, and during this time we will explore problem areas and create a safe space for you to let the burdens go. Some sessions you may feel ready to share a million feelings and situations that happened in the week and others it may feel like one feeling/situation is the focus. This is all normal and I will help you navigate, breathe, and learn yourself! After all, therapy is an investment into you as a person and much like any great reward there will be work ahead to reach it, but remember you are not alone in the process!
The journey starts and continues daily
Every step of this journey will be at a pace that feels comfortable and natural for you. It is my job to encourage you and teach you how to give yourself grace as you embark on your goals. Therapy is not meant to be a race and many times as we uncover hidden treasures and triggers we will stop to evaluate and examine the contents and learn how to better identify how you’ve been affected both presently and from the past. As we work on unpacking burdens during sessions, I will also review at the end of the sessions what areas you will focus on in the week that we will review in the next session. Giving you things to work on in the week allows for me to see you put the skills to the test that you are learning in sessions with me, and it also allows you to share with me how you are feeling. Therapy is not a one size fits all and therefore we will work on adapting the best course of treatment with your feedback!
Before the session is over, I will leave the floor open to make sure you feel comfortable leaving and review the strategies we discussed. If we run out of time, I will be sure to make a note of the areas of importance and discuss these concerns at our next session.
We are a team! We will work together to help you face the obstacles that have held you back from your goals.
As you start to feel better, we can always adjust the number of sessions so you can start to feel comfortable walking in your shoes when I am not around. I know that life happens so if things change along the journey, I will adapt with you! If you need more time or want to work on different areas of focus once you meet your initial goals I am more than ready to help.
About Me
Personal experience provides me a unique perspective
Personal experience provides me a unique perspectiveI am passionate about helping people understand and confront their challenges and struggles because I too have had to navigate through these waters.
My life experiences include dealing with medical issues with my children, extensive childhood trauma, sports related injuries, and learning how to conquer my own anxiety/depression in conjunction with pregnancy loss. I also have had my own therapy experience so I have been on both sides of the table to better understand just how you feel throughout the process and would not recommend things that I myself would not use. I know just how beneficial therapy can be!
My educational and professional qualifications…
I received a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Florida Gulf Coast University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida, and Michigan.
I am trained in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, DBT, CBT, Exposure Therapy, Grief and Loss Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, Attachment Based Behavioral Therapy, Emotional Freedom Techniques, Family Systems Therapy, Life Transitions Therapy, Motivational Interviewing Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Art Therapy, Strength Based Therapy, Play Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and Object Relations Therapy. I have worked alongside many trauma survivors over the past 9+ years including being one of the lead therapists to assist survivors of the Parkland School shooting. I was able to do international Social Work in Ghana, Africa providing resources and support to those battling HIV/AIDS. And I also have years of experience working with differently abled children and their parents both in the school system and in home settings.
Insurance Plans I Accept
Blue Cross
Blue Care Network
Priority Health
United/Optum
Medicare (MI, IN)
Aetna
A Day in My Life
I love the outdoors and gardening and have managed to keep 3 indoor plants alive during the winter months, so I think my green thumb has been promoted. This year I plan on trying to grow tomatoes.
I am a mom of two kids, am married, and have a fur baby named Presley after Elvis Presley who was rescued from Puerto Rico.
I love music and can listen to any genre, but I tend to make up words to songs according to google and my husband! I watch all the baking shows on tv and attempt some desserts, but I have mastered chocolate chip cookies!