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Laura Shames

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in CA Licensed Clinical Social Workers, LCSWs, are social workers trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Not currently accepting patients

Hi there, I'm Laura!

With over twenty years of experience as a board-certified LCSW, I have helped thousands of people find their way to an incredible life filled with purpose, love, and happiness. My mission is to create a safe, caring, and nonjudgmental space for you to strengthen your courage, illuminate the hurdles and boulders, reveal your wisdom, transform your life, and get back on your path.

My approach

By utilizing the client's inherent strengths and building on them, I help clients find solutions to challenges and create their unique paths. I employ a range of therapeutic modalities including Behavioral Activation, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Compassion Focused, Couples Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Exposure and response prevention (ERP), Family Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Mindfulness-Based, Psychodynamic, Strength-Based, Supportive, and Solution Focused approaches.

My focus

I specialize in working with individuals on issues related to Addiction, Aging, Anxiety, Career Counseling, Codependency, Coping Skills, Depression, Grief, Job Stress, Life Coaching, Life Transitions, Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD), Relationship Issues, Self-esteem, and Stress.

My communication style

I communicate with warmth, directness, and understanding. My style is collaborative - I listen closely to understand your perspective, share insights, and work with you to identify solutions and meaningful changes you can make. I aim to create a supportive space for open and productive dialogue.

My journey to mental healthcare

I earned my Bachelor of Science at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, acquired my Master's in Social Work in 1993 from Loyola University in Chicago, and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 1996, specializing in individual, couples, and family clinical therapy.

My goals for you

My goal is to help you strengthen your courage, illuminate and overcome obstacles, tap into your inherent wisdom, and transform your life to get back on the path you envision for yourself - one filled with purpose, love, and happiness.

About Laura

Specialities

Addiction
Aging
Anxiety
Career Counseling
Codependency
Coping Skills
Depression
Grief
Job Stress
Life Coaching
Life Transitions
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
Relationship Issues
Self Esteem
Stress

Methods

Behavioral Activation
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Compassion Focused
Couples Therapy
Family Therapy
Mindfulness-Based
Psychodynamic
Strength-Based
Supportive
Solution Focused

Practice

License

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Licensed Clinical Social Workers, LCSWs, are social workers trained to diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna, Cigna, Optum, Anthem, MHN, Kaiser Permanente (Southern Ca), Tricare West, Cedars Sinai, Blue Shield of CA, and Kaiser Medicare Advantage (Southern Ca)

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW) - Loyola University of Chicago (1993) Bachelor of Science (BS) - University of Illinois, Champaign (1986)

Session Information

Video session
60 minutes

Laura isn't currently accepting new patients.

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