Laura Buchheit, MA, LPC, NCC — a Licensed Professional Counselor at The Healing Academy and a full-time K–12 Missouri Certified School Counselor at the Perryville Primary Center, where she supports approximately 500 kindergarten through second-grade students each year. A certified teacher, Laura has taught preschool, special education, and first grade. She also serves on the Perry County Mental Health Mill Tax Board and spent 15 years as a dedicated Girl Scout leader and volunteer.

Laura offers counseling services to individuals and families across the lifespan — from early childhood through later adulthood. Her experience spans a wide range of areas, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, pregnancy, life transitions, parenting, separation and divorce, family dynamics, neurodivergence, disabilities, giftedness, academic and vocational development, behavioral and social-emotional challenges, relational aggression, communication, anger, de-escalation, coping skills, and medically complex or chronic illness.

When you meet Laura, you will find a safe, welcoming space for people of all ages, backgrounds, abilities, lifestyles, beliefs, and values. She approaches counseling with deep respect and without judgment or discrimination.

Laura believes that every person already holds the capacity to heal. Given the space to process, a strong therapeutic relationship, and gentle guidance to uncover solutions that fit their own lives, clients can move forward, find clarity, and experience peace. Her work is grounded in a strengths-based approach and often integrates Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Child-Centered Play Therapy, Existential Therapy, Constructivism, Sand Tray and Restorative Practices. She incorporates psychoeducation, empowerment, empathy, humor, and even a sense of fun into the counseling process.

Outside of her professional work, Laura enjoys spending time with loved ones and her Brittany dog, Lilo. She finds joy in kayaking, camping, hiking, swimming, travel, music, theatre, beading, thrift shopping, and reading — experiences that continue to shape her appreciation for connection, curiosity, and the richness of the human story.

If you’re looking for a counselor who honors your strengths, listens deeply, and walks beside you as you grow, Laura welcomes you.

To schedule an appointment with Laura, reach out using any of the methods below.
Phone: (573) 200-6775
Email: thelaurelvalleycounselor@gmail.com
Client Portal: Sessions messaging