In addition to being a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor, Laura works as a full-time K-12 certified school counselor at the Perryville Primary Center for approximately 500 K-2nd grade students. Laura is a certified teacher and has taught in pre-school, special education and first grade. She was a Girl Scout of the MIssouri Heartland Volunteer for 15 years and currently serves on the Perry County Mental Health Mill Tax Board. Laura offers counseling services to individuals and families of all ages from early childhood through adulthood.  Laura has experience working with clients on topics relating to protective factors, coping skills, connection building, parenting, life transitions, academic and vocational development, giftedness, special education, social-emotional development, social skills, communication, anger, de-escalation, relational aggression, behavioral interventions, group work, grief and loss, family dynamics including separation and divorce, anxiety, neurodivergence, trauma, disabilities, and chronic or serious illness. Laura provides a safe space for all ages, backgrounds, abilities, lifestyles, beliefs and values to share their needs and story without judgement or discrimination.  

Laura approaches counseling with the belief that everyone already holds the power to heal. She believes when given the space to process and the opportunity to connect in a therapeutic relationship along with insight and gentle guidance to uncover solutions that work best for their own lives, people can process events, move forward, heal and have peace. 

Laura frequently incorporates Solution Focused Brief and Person-Centered Therapy, Child-Centered Play Therapy, Existential Therapy, Constructivism and Restorative Practice. She uses a strengths-based approach, psychoeducation, empowerment, empathy, humor and fun. 

Additionally, Laura loves spending time with loved ones and her Brittany dog, Lilo. She enjoys kayaking, camping, hiking, swimming, travel, music, theatre, beading, thrifting and reading.

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