Finding the right therapist to meet your needs that provides a comfortable and safe space is crucial to creating a solid foundation for change. I strongly believe that the relationship between therapist and client should be one that fosters acceptance, empathy, and connection. My approach to counseling includes working from a person-centered model where the client is the expert on their life, and I am there to help facilitate change and act as more of a guide on their journey. My approach also involves utilizing humor and allowing ourselves to explore the best tools to meet clients’ individual needs. This can be through literature, media, music and, of course, meaningful conversation.
I originally got into counseling through my interest in the lack of mental health care in the criminal justice system. I strongly believe that every individual deserves adequate and competent mental health care, regardless of their background. In the past, I have primarily worked for non-profits treating addictions and trauma and have experience with both male and female populations of all ages.
My favorite part about being a counselor is getting to know someone and hear their story. It takes a lot of vulnerability to be able to open up to someone else and I am always grateful that my clients trust me with the most intimate parts of their self. I work with a wide array of clients; from LGBTQ+ community members, to those with varying religious backgrounds, and even those that have been diagnosed with HIV and other chronic illnesses that affect their quality of life.
Some fun facts about me!
I grew up in California and attended college at the University of Alabama. I believe that living in two drastically different environments has helped me with developing my cultural competency as a counselor and has allowed me to engage with all different types of people. After graduating from Alabama, I went on to attend the University of Florida for my Master’s and Specialist degrees (ranked the second best Counseling program in the country at the time).
I am a huge fan of the TV show The Office and feel that our favorite shows can be a great outlet for stress and one of the best ways to connect with others!
When I was going through periods of feeling homesick early on in college, I learned that goats are my absolute favorite animal by watching videos of them being silly to help cope. We all have to find something that brings us comfort!
Additional areas of focus: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Relationship issues, Intimacy-related issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Coping with life changes, Abandonment, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, BDSM, Kink, Alternative Sex Culture, Chronic pain illness and disability, Codependency, Communication problems, Dissociation, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Family Problems, Fatherhood Issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, HIV / AIDS, Impulsivity, Men's issues, Personality Disorders, Post-traumatic stress, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Self-Harm, Sex Addiction, Sexual Assault and Abuse, Sexual Dysfunction, Sexuality, Women's issues, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
AL LPC 4476
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Laura Westbrook. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Laura has been so helpful and a great support since I started with her. My life has been all over the place recently and she's been such an important outlet for me. She's listens to me, is thoughtful and well-spoken when asking questions, and is super responsive when I message outside of our sessions. Highly recommend her! Thank you Laura for being so amazing.
Written on Mar 01, 2022 after therapy with Laura for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and career difficulties