Laura DeSantis
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL CLINICAL COUNSELOR
FOUNDER OF JUNIPER THERAPY CENTER
Pronouns: she/her
My deepest conviction in this work is that if you’ve faced difficult circumstances in your life, you deserve a therapist who truly sees you and therapy that works — and that anyone - yes, anyone - can heal.
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.
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.
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!
I’ve worked in private practice, community mental health, and forensic mental health over a span of ten years. In all those settings, I realized that traditional talk therapy often does not foster the deep healing people are looking for. This led me to seek out modalities that promote real change by healing the root of people’s pain, so you can stop suffering, live authentically, and come home to yourself.
Tldr; my goal is to help you get to the root of your suffering and heal it – for good.
My Approach
If you’ve dealt with trauma or other adverse experiences, you know the impact affects your entire being – your emotions, thoughts, body, and relationships – so our therapy will address all those pieces, too.
Understanding the Neuroscience
We'll explore the science behind how trauma impacts the brain and nervous system, empowering you to reclaim control over your body's responses.
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.
Mindfulness and Somatic Therapy
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 anxiety and build self-compassion, so you can call your body home again.
Parts Work
Using Internal Family Systems (IFS) and other Parts Work therapy models, we will help you connect with and heal different parts of yourself that are struggling – meaning you’ll work with yourself, instead of against yourself. Read more about parts work and IFS here.
I specialize in:
Complex posttraumatic stress disorder (cPTSD)
Dissociative disorders
Attachment trauma
Anxiety
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 in a world that may actively work to hinder your well-being.
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 motivated to heal wounds from the past, or just find out what those wounds might be (even if you’re scared to do it!).
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’re looking primarily for coping skills.
You want short-term therapy (other than adjunct EMDR or EMDR intensives).
You aren’t interested in exploring how the past affects the present.
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