Laura Arevalo

Laura Arevalo is a marriage & family therapist who has been licensed since September 2002 and in private practice since that time. As a clinician, Laura is trained in the area of cognitive behavioral therapy and more specifically, DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy). Laura is also trained in EMDR and has worked with many clients who have been victims of trauma. Laura has been trained in Functional Family Therapy and has worked closely with many different types of blended families, as well as families working on reunification. Laura is also trained in The Nurtured Heart Approach. Laura has also worked with many adolescents who are going through various struggles and helps support families through communication, validation, and setting clear and predictable boundaries. Laura has helped many youth and adults struggling with eating disorders. She has worked extensively with clients managing trauma, depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.

My approach

Laura works closely to partner with her clients on finding the best path toward realizing maximum results. She encourages mindfulness practice for everyone, regardless of their level of struggle. Due to recent changes with COVID, all sessions are conducted via telehealth.

My focus

Laura has worked with many families, couples, and individuals. Laura has focused a great deal on marital conflicts and worked to find a path toward resolution in marriage. She has also worked with many individuals struggling with emotional disturbance and the need for coping tools to manage difficult emotions. There is often a need for family focus, when an individual is struggling and where the family can be a valuable resource towards understanding and support.

My communication style

Laura is very approachable and relatable to various life challenges. There is absolutely zero judgment and she meets clients where they are at in all situations. Laura values the client's perspective and where they see both challenges and goals.

My journey to mental healthcare

During the time Laura was completing her bachelor's degree in psychology, she volunteered (and eventually was hired) at a group home for emotionally disturbed teens. It was during this time that Laura was exposed to both the individual work these teens were doing, as well as the family's involvement. Laura volunteered to lead family groups, as well as discussion groups with the teens. Laura enjoyed seeing the progress and decided at this time that she would continue her education and become a licensed therapist. Laura was also a busy wife and mom, raising 5 children, so this process took time. She had to prioritize ways to be a wife, a mom, and a therapist. She found that with the support of her husband and extended family, she could manage her home life and career. Laura has worked for over 26 years in group home systems, while always maintaining a small private practice. It wasn't until 2019 when her last child left home, and she and her husband officially became "empty nesters", that she decided to go into private practice full-time and be self-employed. It has been a career path that continues to bring personal growth and great satisfaction.

My goals for you

Laura meets with clients and builds the treatment focus and goals with input and guidance from her clients. It is very important that clients both understand where they are currently and where they see the goals lining up with the treatment approach.

My first session with you

A first session will include an introduction to what therapy might look like, especially if an individual is new to therapy. If previous therapy has been experienced, discuss what worked, and what didn't and establish the best approach for the client. This first session will also be a time to gather some background and history about what challenges are creating the most distress and gather information about resources and supports available to the client, as well as limitations and deficits that exist.