Laura Garison LPC

I tend to be described as warm and engaging in therapy. My hope is that the therapy hour is a calming place where you can feel supported and explore what's bringing you in more deeply. I have a natural curiosity about people and their experiences and use this to help understand the problems clients are coming in with. Therapy can be serious work, but I'm always pleasantly surprised by the laughter that occurs in the room as well. Truly connecting with another human being can be deeply healing in its own right.

At the start, I'll go over what you can expect from our sessions and the limits of confidentiality so you are fully informed and can provide consent for treatment. I'll then ask what brings you in. During this part of the conversation I'll probably ask clarifying questions to get more background or to help me better understand what you're dealing with. Toward the end of the session, I'll have an idea of directions we can take with therapy that may beneficial and I'll share those with you. I'll ask for your feedback and work with you collaboratively to come up with a directional plan. If you feel that we are a good fit an you are on board with continuing therapy, we'll schedule for a next appointment.

I'm very conversational in therapy and aim to put people at ease. I know how intimidating beginning therapy can be! I am not a blank slate, either, and will provide feedback and healthy validation of your feelings and experiences. I'll ask questions that help you challenge your thinking to make sure you are seeing situations from all angles so that you can make the best decisions for your own well-being and the well-being of those you care about. I frequently incorporate an appraisal of your values so that you can act in ways that align with what's most important to you. I incorporate elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy. For those with PTSD, I use Cognitive Processing Therapy, a 12 session treatment for PTSD symptoms. During CPT, you learn how to constructively challenge thinking that may have you stuck in negative thoughts and feelings after traumatic events, often leading to the resolution of symptoms and significant relief. Always I am collaborative with my clients and work together with them to figure out the most helpful path forward.

• Texas, Licensed Professional Counselor, 84104

I've enjoyed providing individual counseling in settings such as Community Counseling Associates of Allen, TX, Collin College Counseling Services (where I currently work part-time with an amazing team of clinicians), as well as facilitating grief groups through Journey of Hope. I received training in Cognitive Processing Therapy during graduate school and often use it when working with clients who have experienced trauma or have PTSD to help them resolve symptoms quickly and experience relief. I continue to seek out ongoing trainings specifically for PTSD, anxiety, and grief and seek to develop cultural competence as I serve people from diverse backgrounds. I've been a member in good standing with Texas Counseling Association since 2019 and I'm licensed in the State of Texas as a Licensed Professional Counselor.