Laura Shames, LCSW — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Laura!

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 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, OCD, Relationship Issues, Self-esteem, and Stress.

My approach

By utilizing your strengths, I help you find solutions to challenges and create your unique path. I employ therapeutic modalities including Behavioral Activation, CBT, Compassion Focused, Couples Therapy, DBT, ERP, Family Therapy, IFS, Mindfulness-Based, Psychodynamic, Strength-Based, Supportive, and Solution Focused approaches.

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 specialize in individual, couples, and family clinical therapy. My passion is helping people navigate life's challenges and discover their path to meaningful change and fulfillment.

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.

Our first session

In our first session, we'll focus on understanding what brings you to therapy and what you hope to achieve. I'll ask about your current challenges, your strengths, and your goals. Together, we'll begin to map out a path forward that feels right for you.

I identify as...

Female

Expertise

Specialties

Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)

Relationship Issues

Self Esteem

Stress

+ 12 more

Treatment approaches

Behavioral Activation

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Attachment-based

Compassion Focused

Mindfulness-Based

+ 5 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy
Couples Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied
Anthem

+ 56 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW) from Loyola University of Chicago.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Laura Shames