Laura Gillespie (she/her)

MSW, PhD
Accepting Clients

I'm Dr Laura Gillespie, a philosophy PhD practicing a form of psychoanalytic psychotherapy informed by my own warm, Midwestern sensibility.

Associate Clinical Social Worker in Los Angeles, CA
Supervised by Philip Lance, CA PSY# 26965

About My Clients

My typical client is no stranger to phrases like "you're over-thinking it" and "too smart for your own good." They are gifted reasoners and problem solvers beginning to understand that the problems they face aren't ones they can simply think their way out of. I am particularly experienced working with academics, creatives, and others in high-pressure positions, emerging adults and adolescents, and LGBTQIA2S+ folks and their families.

My Background and Approach

My practice style for individual therapy is primarily psychoanalytic, with some IFS or "parts work" where useful or resonant. We will puzzle together about your history and how it informs your present, while the real work will begin beneath the surface of these conversations, as the emotional logic informing these dynamics makes its way into the room with us, where we can examine it more directly. I believe in the power of this approach to foster deep transformation and lasting improvement, even when other forms of treatment have failed. I have experienced this power time and again, both personally and in my work with clients. Our work together would begin with 2-3 sessions spent doing a deep “intake” in which I ask a wide range of questions about your personal history, your relationship dynamics, your dreams, and so on. From here we work together to establish a shared sense of what we're working toward, and how we plan to get there. Then we set out.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

My practice is queer- and trans-affirming. I am an affinity therapist for LGBTQ+ folks. I am a White clinician who works frequently with BIPOC clients. I strive to maintain a practice that is explicitly anti-racist. If you are a potential client who is curious (or skeptical!) about what this means in practice, I am happy to add some additional time to our initial, free consultation to have that conversation. In my life outside of the consulting room, as a private citizen, my causes tend to be supporting queer and trans youth, fighting for food and housing justice here in LA, and working with survivors of sexual assault.

Insurance Plans Accepted
  • MediCal
  • Optum
  • United Healthcare
I offer online counseling in the following states:

At A Glance

  • Experience: 2 years of practice
  • Languages: English
  • Rate: $175 - 200/session

Info

213-260-0295 Email Laura
5619 N. Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90042

Reach out to Laura