Laura Knudsen (she/her)

I have extensive experience working with depressive disorders, including Major Depression, Persistent Depressive Disorder, and depression as it presents in Bipolar and Schizoaffective disorders. Many of us in New England also find ourselves struggling with mild to moderate depression related to seasonal changes. I work with my clients to identify effective skills for managing symptoms of depression as well as lifestyle changes to encourage improved mood on a day to day basis.

Anxiety often arises in predicted situations, but persistent, constant anxiety is another story. I work with clients to identify triggers to anxiety and faulty belief patterns that may need to be dismantled and rebuilt. I teach coping skills that can be used when feeling anxious, particularly through the lens of mindfulness practices. As with depression, I like to encourage lifestyle changes that can be implemented to assist in improving and maintaining mood over a longer period of time.

Personality disorders can emerge following trauma, unhealthy relationships, or other difficult experiences - the symptoms are a survival tactic and trauma response. Our work is to understand how your trauma survival strategies can be shifted to more effective ways of interacting with others and managing emotions. I primarily use Dialectical Behavior Therapy to empower my clients to effectively regulate their emotions and approach interactions with mindfulness and coping skills.

The first approach I learned about therapy has remained my favorite - the relationship I build together with my clients is the core of any growth or progress there is to be made. I am human, just like you, not an omniscient knower-of-all-things. With every client I have ever worked with, there has been at least one moment where we talk not of mood, fears, or challenges, but of a hilarious movie, favorite music, or whether the Red Sox should make the trade. I meet you wherever you're at that day.

At Lesley University, I specialized in Holistic Theories, which essentially means I pick and choose from many styles of therapy to create an eclectic approach that is tailored to you and you alone. I integrate practices from humanistic, relational, psychodynamic, existential, and creative arts as it makes sense. Are you finding that meditation is helpful? Writing song lyrics to express your emotions? Everything is welcome, if it brings meaning and solace to your experience.

I got my start as a group therapist, with a highly behavioral approach. I have run a DBT Skills group and teach DBT Skills and concepts in individual therapy whenever it appears the techniques could be helpful. I like to say that everyone could use a little DBT, regardless of your diagnosis, because it empowers the individual to manage their emotions, have healthy and communicative relationships, and learn how to spend more time in the present moment.