Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Coping Skills
Accepted insurance & self-pay
About Laura
Laura Stark is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and National Certified Counselor with over 25 years of experience as a psychotherapist working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She has over 10 years of clinical experience providing care for adolescents and adults in residential treatment centers and hospitalization programs. Laura also spent 5 years as a special education teacher and program coordinator for emotionally challenged students. She has an interest in mood, anxiety/panic disorders, ADHD, late-diagnosed ADHD, OCD, adjustments to life changes, Tourette Syndrome, and neurodiversity.
Laura obtained a Bachelor of Arts at the University of North Texas and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Amberton University in 1997. She became a licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in 2007. Laura utilizes an eclectic counseling approach. She finds CBT, REBT, experiential, and systems therapies to be most successful with the clients she works with.
Laura’s therapeutic process assists clients in gaining more self-awareness while navigating through life’s challenges and struggles. She provides support and guidance as clients learn about themselves and patterns in their lives. She brings awareness to healthy coping skills and strategies to help with healing and then continued growth.
"As a counselor who has sought counseling myself, I understand and have experienced the importance and benefits of gaining self-awareness and healing through the therapeutic process in a safe, non-judgmental environment."
What clients say
These testimonials are from real clients who completed a satisfaction survey after their sessions and agreed to share their feedback. Results may vary.
As an adult diagnosed ADHD client, I appreciate having a therapist who has first hand experience managing ADHD challenges.
A Thriveworks Client, verified client of Laura
Laura listens well, has wonderful insights & advice and cares about my feelings as a person, not just a patient.
A Thriveworks Client, verified client of Laura
Get to know Laura
Why did you decide to become a counselor?
During my freshman year of college, I began seeing a therapist as I was having difficulty adjusting to college life. When I began therapy, I felt like my emotions were all over the place and I had no idea how deal with them. My therapist supported me with no judgment. She helped me to realize that it was "okay" to be human. She helped me to understand myself better and how to best help myself. I was sitting across from her one day during session and I thought to myself "I want to do what she does, I want to help people like she is helping me". My therapy experience is what made me decide to be a counselor.
What types of clients do you work with best?
I work well individuals, couples and families. I have much experience working with clients with mood disorders, depression, anxiety and social phobias, panic disorder and OCD. I am also experienced working with ADHD as well as other diagnoses that are in the neurodivergent spectrum.
What type of clients are you most excited to work with?
I work best with clients that truly want to feel better, change what is not working for them and want to grow. Clients that are willing to do the work that it takes to become more self-aware, use learned coping skills and are patient with themselves through the process.
What's one thing you wish all clients knew?
I want clients to know that therapy should be a safe place to share, learn and grow where you feel no judgement and can be yourself.
Why did you choose to practice at Thriveworks?
I chose to practice at Thriveworks because the environment seemed warm and welcoming. I like the idea of community and a comfortable work environment. I see that Thriveworks understands and respects the importance of the client/clinician relationship.
What inspires you?
I am always inspired by the resiliency of others.
What can clients expect in their first session with you?
Clients can expect a safe and nonjudgmental place to share their thoughts, feelings and what they want and need.
What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?
During our first session, I want to clients to feel safe to share what they are ready to share with me. I would like to begin building rapport with each other in a place that feels safe for them.
What should clients know about you before scheduling a first counseling session?
Clients should know that I am very easy-going, open-minded and nonjudgmental.
What do you do for fun/on your time off?
On my time off, I like to be with my family and all of our animals.
What's one thing about you that defines you (non-professional)?
I have always been someone that others see as wanting to learn and grow. I always want to learn, know and grow more.
Other areas of focus
Education and training
- Years in practice
- 25 years
- Graduating institute
- Amberton Univiersity
- Graduating degree
- Master of Arts in Counseling
Additional details
Practice information
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