Parenting is one of the most wonderful and challenging experiences anyone goes through. It is a roller coaster filled with twists and turns, unexpected loops, corkscrews, and even occasional reversals before moving forward again. It’s important to have someone by your side to support and ride the roller coaster with you. I enjoy helping children heal and grow, and I love supporting parents through the process, too.

I practice Child-Centered Play Therapy because, as Gary Landreth, one of the founders says, “Birds fly, fish swim, and children play” (Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship). Play therapy is the best way to help children understand the world around them and navigate their big emotions. I help families understand and address behavior challenges due to life transitions, trauma, grief, technology use, as well as mental health diagnoses of depression, anxiety, ADHD, and others. I am bilingual in Spanish and have experience providing play therapy and parenting support in English and Spanish.

Prior to entering the mental health field, I worked in public health on topics related to violence prevention, HIV prevention, and health communication. I hold a B.A. in Spanish and Chemistry as well as an MPH from Emory University and an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Georgia State University.

When I’m not in the office, I’m likely having a dance party with my family, volunteering, listening to podcasts, or watching baking television.

Laura can be reached at laura@gaiacounseling.com