Patricia O'Laughlin (she/her)

I understand that there are many causes of anxiety and have helped many people with different forms and reasons for being anxious. Anxiety can be genetic brain chemistry, but it can also be activated by relational, educational, and childhood trauma. I focus on attachment style, assesses for undiagnosed neurodivergence, assist with linking body and mind, and encourage compassionate mindfulness to treat anxiety.

ADHD is often not just ADHD. Usually, it is a cluster of things that may include a learning disability such as dyslexia, autism, or OCD. Many times, children and adults who come to me also have depression and anxiety, these are often secondary diagnosis resulting from challenges in school, work, or relationships. I help people with ADHD understand if they have other diagnosis, and how to make accommodations so they can thrive at home, work, or school. With children, I work closely with parents.

When the cloud of depression arrives, it can be so difficult to feel better. Just like anxiety there are different levels of depression, loss of interest and feelings of hopelessness seem like they go on forever. Talking through negative cognitions and giving tools on how to navigate automatic negative thoughts is an important job of a therapist. When needed, I've worked closely with clients' psychiatrists as they access medication or alternative treatments such as ketamine or TMS.

I have dual master's degree from Loyola Marymount University in Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy. This means I don't just do art with clients. I trained for 2 years to be an art therapist and have theoretical knowledge on how to use art in therapy to grow and heal. I have run groups, used art therapy with adults and children. In our consult we can talk more about art therapy to decide if its right for you. I don't do art therapy with everyone, but for some its very healing.

I was trained by Dr Phillip Mansfield in EMDR. During our consult we will talk about EMDR and if it's the right intervention for you. Some therapists only do EMDR, I typically do a mix of talk therapy and EMDR. I believe EMDR is very helpful in linking mind and body, and in processing different forms of trauma. It can help people who struggle with emotional regulation from ADHD or trauma.

I very much enjoy couples counseling, it is a very dynamic process. Couples often need to talk things through, and this can be an emotional process in therapy. But by using therapy to do so, they can learn about their dynamics and communication mechanics. I combine the theories of Gottman with object relational theory to help couples change dysfunctional communication and dynamics. I believe that family of or patterns play out in coup relationships, causing couples to feel stuck and unheard.