About Laura
I believe that you are the expert on your own story. You are the only person who has lived every part of it. My role is to support you by creating a safe, calm, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel seen and heard. We all come from different walks of life, and I believe our lived experiences shape our worldview, the way we understand ourselves, and how we move through the world. By connecting our past experiences to where we are today, we can begin to better understand our current path and determine the future we want to work toward.
Taking the First Step Can Feel Overwhelming, and That Is Okay
Therapy can be a big step. Sometimes we find ourselves having to unlearn things we have known to be true for years, and then realizing, whether because of trauma, relationships, life experiences, or simply a feeling that something needs to change, that the way we have been living no longer feels right. Knowing something needs to change but not knowing where to start can be terrifying. It is terrifying. And as terrifying as that is, it can also be okay. That is where we can work together. Yes, together, because this is your life. My goal through all of this, whatever our work looks like together, is for you to feel comfortable, fulfilled, and maybe even optimistic about the life you are living.
My Approach to Therapy
I work from a trauma-informed and strengths-based lens while utilizing an eclectic therapeutic approach to individualize treatment based on your specific needs and the goals we identify together. My most frequent modalities include Person-Centered Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and harm reduction and crisis intervention strategies.
My Background and Experience
I started my journey in the mental health field at Bradley University, where I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. During my time at Bradley, I worked in the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and completed my internship in Illinois Central College’s Counseling Department. Since graduating, I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced sexual assault, sexual abuse, domestic violence, unhealthy relationship dynamics, and other forms of trauma. I have also supported clients through legal and medical advocacy, including being present for emergency department visits and court-related experiences connected to their lived experiences. All this to say, I’m willing to take on any challenge with you.
I commend you for taking the first steps in seeking support and resources on your journey of healing and growth. I would be honored to be even a small part of your story.
Education, Training, and Credentials
- Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Bradley University
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- National Certified Counselor (NBCC)
- EMDR Certified (EMDRIA)
- Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocacy Training (ICASA)
- Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention Training (ICASA)
- Working with Adult Survivors of Sexual Abuse (ICASA)
- Working with Child Survivors of Sexual Abuse (ICASA)
Who I Work With
- Adolescents
- Adults
- Couples
- Families
Therapeutic Approaches and Modalities
- EMDR (AIP model)
- Somatic work
- TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
- ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
- SFBT (Solution-Focused Brief Therapy)
- DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)
Focus Areas and Specialties
A Quote That Guides My Work
You have permission to rest. You are not responsible for fixing everything that is broken. You do not have to try and make everyone happy. For now, take time for you. It’s time to replenish.
Alyse Ruriani
A Few Questions About Laura
Which therapeutic approaches do you rely on most, and do you hold certifications in any of them?
I believe therapy is most effective when it is tailored to the person or people in front of me. While I primarily work from a trauma-informed and strengths-based lens, I utilize an eclectic approach to ensure our work together aligns with your needs, experiences, and goals. I frequently incorporate Person-Centered Therapy, EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, somatic approaches, mindfulness, and harm reduction strategies.
I have a background in working with survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and complex trauma, and I am certified in EMDR through EMDRIA. I’m always looking for ways to better support the clients I’m working with, whether that be through training, continuing education, or learning from the clinicians I work with.
How do you spend your time away from work, and what brings you joy?
Outside of work, I am a firm believer in being a lifelong learner and continuing to explore what brings meaning and fulfillment to my own life. My support system and the people I surround myself with are incredibly important to me. Being around people where I can just be “me” is something I deeply value.
I love spending time with my partner, our dog, Sudo, and our three cats, Cocoa, Kona, and Misto! Creativity is also a huge part of who I am, whether I’m crocheting, sewing, working on embroidery or cross-stitch, creating ceramics, or trying a new recipe. I also love listening to music and going to concerts. These moments help me slow down, recharge, and reconnect with myself.
What are you most excited about right now, and where do your passions lie?
I am always excited to continue learning, both professionally and personally. I am passionate about understanding what “actual” healing looks like, not just symptom management, but what it means to reconnect with ourselves, find meaning, and create a life that feels fulfilling.
I am especially interested in continuing to learn more about trauma, healing, and how the mind and body work together throughout that process. I am also incredibly passionate about finding joy and whimsy in life, and I love helping clients make space for those moments too. Healing does not have to be only about the hard things; there can also be laughter, curiosity, creativity, and the things that make us feel alive.
What do you find most meaningful about being a therapist?
The most meaningful part of being a therapist is being trusted with someone’s story. I feel honored when clients allow me to sit with them through some of their hardest moments and share the parts of themselves that may feel difficult to carry or explain.
Watching someone reconnect with their own strength, challenge beliefs they have carried for years, recognize their growth, and begin creating a life that feels more authentic to them is something I never take for granted. Being able to walk alongside someone through that process is a privilege I truly value.
When you need to restore yourself or get creative, what do you turn to?
I restore myself by trying. And trying again. And sometimes starting over completely.
I love giving myself space to try something new without needing to be perfect, whether that is a new pattern, yarn, recipe, game, coffee shop, or hobby. Trying new things, slowing down, and being present are all important ways I reconnect with myself. Creativity reminds me that growth does not have to be perfect to be meaningful.
Make an Appointment
Ready to get started? Reach out to begin the intake process and we will help match you with the right fit. I see clients in person at our Ravenswood office and online across Illinois.
- Phone: (312) 625-0625
- Email: lvolpe@bergencounselingcenter.com
Or complete our new client form to request an appointment.