Laura Birnbaum, LICSW — Therapist in Minnesota

Hi there, I'm Laura!

I have a special interest in supporting people through grief and loss, domestic violence, and emotional/psychological abuse.

My focus

I enjoy connecting with all humans and deeply appreciate working with adults and elders, people who identify as LGBTQIA2S+, and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I am most comfortable working with people experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, and loss, as well as with survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

My approach

I utilize a person-centered and strengths-based perspective and draw on modalities from Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and positive psychology, as well as mindfulness, trauma-informed care, and holistic wellness.

My communication style

I work to create a calm and relaxed environment to be able to meet you where you are at in the moment. I understand that starting therapy can come with a lot of different emotions, whether it is your first experience with therapy or one of many. I will honor the time it may take to unpack those and move forward together.

My journey to mental healthcare

I have personally experienced the benefits therapy can provide, including guidance, support, validation, resolution, and healing. I find great meaning in connecting with people on a deeper level to support others through challenges and difficult times, and joy in witnessing the positive transformations people make in their lives.

My goals for you

My approach is collaborative and prioritizes lifting up the goals that you identify as important and meaningful to you.

Our first session

Our first session would involve spending time getting to know you as a person, why you have chosen therapy, and your own hopes and expectations with therapy. I would also hope to answer any questions that you may have. It is important to me that you feel comfortable and have time to evaluate if this is a good fit for you as well.

I identify as...

Female
Caucasian or White
Spiritual

Expertise

Specialties

Anxiety

Depression

Grief

Intellectual Disability

LGBTQIA+

Autism or Asperger's Syndrome

+ 14 more

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Compassion Focused

+ 3 more

Focus populations

LGBTQIA+

Queer

+ 2 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield
Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied

+ 47 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW) in Health, Aging and Disability from University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Laura Birnbaum