Laura Wozniak (she/her)

Relational 

I work to enhance all relationships since they underpin our mental and physical health as well as our ability to learn and adapt in our relationship with our self. I welcome my clients to bring other people in their lives into the therapy setting.

Eclectic

This style best describes my work after 35 years. I do not want to imply that I have a lack of interest in specific approaches, but it is important to adapt my approach to the personality, strengths and needs of my client. I like to begin with the simplest interventions first and progress through relational and internal dynamics as effective and welcomed by the client. My underlying belief is that human well-being is supported through a sense of internal coherence, meaning and connection.

Drug Dependence / Abuse / Addiction

I started my career working with addictions and codependency using the Johnson Family Institute training. I am qualified to explore diverse addiction issues- and help clients make decisions about further addictions treatment they may need to pursue or I can continue with them on an outpatient basis when weekly therapy is appropriate. I support 12 step programs, but other approaches may fit.

Chronic Pain or Illness

I have worked for 12 years in a medical setting supporting patients who have a wide variety of chronic and acute conditions. I have worked to prepare patients for bariatric surgery, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, transplant and in supporting family members as well. I have skills and experience using guided imagery and relaxation skills which can enhance resiliency.

Relationship / Marriage Issues

I love helping people create and maintain happy supportive relationships where they can be at their best. I work with same-gender and male-female relationships as well as parent-child, sibling and work relationships. I have training in Gottman and other approaches such as dialogue. In relationship work, I am directive and support the relationship as my client where possible. I work to enhance couple bonding and bring in some lightness where possible to defuse negative interpretations

Adjustment Disorder

Most people present with a life issue such as career, health or divorce. This issue must be addressed respectfully starting with the clients' concerns. If longer-standing personality, mood or other serious issues are complicating resolution and well-being, trust has been established to address those as well. Many of my clients struggle with historic mood issues as well as current problems.

Anxiety

Anxiety and Depression go together. Both can be helped with CBT/DBT/behavioral and supportive interventions. It is important to help the client make life decisions that create a healthy life as the first step and to reduce the suffering due to the symptoms through coping skills including mindfulness and a hopeful perspective. At times, medication may be helpful and I can help monitor this with the prescriber.