Laura DeSantis
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL CLINICAL COUNSELOR
FOUNDER OF JUNIPER THERAPY CENTER
Pronouns: she/her
As a therapist, my goal is to foster a space for you to explore what you want for yourself and your life through introspection, healing, and acceptance of self.
My Style
This space is yours, a place where you can be heard without judgment, where vulnerability meets understanding, and where healing can truly happen.
I offer an interactive style of therapy that is engaged, compassionate, and attuned to your strengths. My sessions also include a fair amount of laughter because therapy should not just be sadness and tears!
Whether you identify with having a trauma history, or you’re going through a tough time in the present, I’m here be a compassionate guide as you heal and step into the life you want. A lot of my clients come in with a general sense of unease or anxiety, and together we build skills to manage emotions and get to the core of what’s going on. And if you’re interested in doing work to let go of past trauma, I can help with that, too.
In sum, my goal is to help you make real change by healing the root of your pain, so you can stop suffering, live authentically, and come home to yourself.
My Approach
If you’re struggling, you know there’s an impact on your entire being – your emotions, thoughts, body, and relationships – so our therapy will address all those pieces, too.
Understand Your Brain
We'll explore the science behind how difficult experiences impact the brain and nervous system, empowering you to reclaim control over your body's responses. People usually find this super empowering.
Getting to the Root
Using Internal Family Systems (IFS) and other depth-work therapy models, we will help you connect with and heal different parts of yourself that are struggling by understanding where your patterns come from – meaning you’ll work with yourself, instead of against yourself.
Mindfulness + Skills
I know the body doesn’t always feel like a safe place. Through slow, gentle steps, we can cultivate present-moment awareness and equip you with tools to manage distress and build self-compassion, so you can call your body home again.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Through targeted bilateral stimulation, we can gently reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge and freeing you from their hold. Read more about EMDR here.
I specialize in:
Complex posttraumatic stress disorder (cPTSD)
Anxiety and Depression
Healing from a hard childhood
Dissociation
I also work with:
Identity Formation
Grief and Loss
Life Transitions
Imposter Syndrome and Perfectionism
The “turbulent twenties and thirties”
LGBTQQIA issues
Concerns unique to working in the Bay Area
my guiding principles
Collaboration
We are a team. If you are hesitant or have questions about anything we’re doing, I want to know. Feedback is an important part of therapy, and I will always go at your pace.
Compassion
I believe in meeting you with deep empathy and respect for your unique experience. This includes believing you about your lived experience.
Positive Change
My mission is to help you move beyond the limitations of trauma and embrace a future filled with hope and possibility.
Empowerment
You are the expert on your own life. My role is to guide you towards reclaiming your strength and inner wisdom.
Outside of Therapy
Originally an East-Coaster, I've called the Bay Area home for years. I love hiking, gazing up at tall trees, talking to animals I meet on the street, reading sci-fi/fantasy novels, and watching old Star Trek TNG episodes. Feel free to ask me about my cat.
We may be a great fit if…
You’re interested in getting to the root of what’s causing you pain.
You’re open to trying new ways of thinking and relating to yourself.
You like your therapy to come with laughter and humor.
We may not be a great fit if…
You aren’t interested in exploring how the past affects the present.
You want short-term therapy (other than adjunct EMDR or EMDR intensives).
You’re only looking for coping skills.
Education & Licensure
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M.Phil.Ed. Professional Counseling | University of Pennsylvania | 2014
M.Ed. Counseling and Mental Health Services | University of Pennsylvania | 2013
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California Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor | #5453
Nevada Clinical Professional Counselor | #CP5510-R
EMDR Certified | EMDRIA
National Certified Counselor | National Board for Certified Counselors
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Internal Family Systems Level 1 Training | IFS Institute
Professional Program in Trauma-Informed Interventions | UC Berkeley Extension
Flash Technique Training | Trauma Institute & Child Trauma Institute
Master Class: Healing Complex Trauma with IFS | Colleen West, LMFT
IFS & Psychedelics with Bob Falconer | LifeArchitect
EMDR Basic Training | SonomaPTI
DBT Skills Training | Behavioral Tech – A Linehan Institute Training Company | 2014
Ongoing advanced training and consultation on the use of EMDR, IFS, and other modalities for complex trauma and dissociative disorders