Lauren Reynolds Psychotherapy, LMHC

Throughout my life, I have experienced and observed a void in the care and understanding of marginalized folx. My passion for mental health emerged at an early age and I knew going into college that I wanted to gain better insight into healthy coping skills for communities of color. Subsequently, I choose to incorporate my critical analysis of trauma, intergenerational and relational trauma, burnout, and decolonization when undoing the narrative that just talking about your feelings is enough, when working with addiction, and when working with people of color, LGBTQIA+ communities, and other marginalized communities. My sense of compassion, especially for those who often feel unheard or unseen, has directed my passion throughout my growth as a clinician.

We start with a welcome and a note of my gratitude. I understand the journey to therapy starts before you begin. This is important to emphasize as I assess and learn the most effective direction for our work and my approach in the first initial sessions. My approach is grounded in mindful cognitive behavioral therapy (MCBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), narrative therapy, and trauma-informed care techniques. My theoretical preferences are person-centered; I want to center my clients so they can feel in control of their choices. This involves occasional homework assignments that draw you out of your comfort zone to challenge unwanted thoughts and increase understanding of feelings and emotions while allowing you to practice healthier coping skills.

I presently provide supervision to Hofstra University interns in a STEM-accredited educational program. In my capacity as a supervisor, I support future clinicians in their professional development, further their clinical education, and increase their skills. I also get the distinct pleasure of collaborating with other clinicians, clinical researchers, and educators. This ensures I stay abreast of current literature, techniques, and interventions that help broaden my expertise for my clients and my own professional development. Through my partnership with a group practice, I stay current on all requirements of my continuing education units for licensure. I have received training in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) through an affiliated counselor training program.