I want to give you a sense of who I am as a person, because that is where good work begins – trusting another human being to guide you with the difficult parts of your life. I know it may sound corny, but I enjoy working with relationship and health struggles because I’ve been there. I am a mom, a daughter, a wife, a caregiver and I get it on a level I couldn’t without living through it. I know those pits of despair well enough to have my own personal road maps out. Your road map will be different; we won’t rely on mine, but I want you to know that I’ve fought my way through, too. And I believe you have the resilience and moxie to make it through too.
In therapy, I challenge clients to use curiosity to befriend their critical voice and find their self- compassion superpower. Coping with a loss whether it be the loss of a relationship, a critical illness or disability can be overwhelming. I use a gentle, empathic approach to help people to express their feelings about painful experiences, communicate their needs and develop a sense of peace and ease.
Because it is important and my experience matters here are the highlights:
Areas of interest for me include
- caregivers (professional or custodial),
- siblings of children with a medical or developmental diagnosis,
- foster families,
- neurodiverse couples,
- spirituality,
- issues around the Christian faith,
- and military families.
During my 30 years in California, I received a master’s degree in Marital and Family Therapy from Western Seminary and a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree from California Southern University. The focus of my doctoral project was mindful self-compassion for caregivers.
In addition to working with therapy clients, I am passionate about teaching aspiring therapists. Most recently, I served on faculty as an adjunct professor of Family Therapy and Law and Ethics at William Jessup University. I facilitate parent support groups, appear on several podcasts, am an editorial contributor, speaker and facilitator at PHP, Shire House, Help One Child and other community and faith-based caregiver support groups. I am also a certified facilitator for SibShops.
Stepping aside from the serious, I am a person who loves FUN! I grew up locally and spent 30 years in California. I love to travel and meet up with friends. Water is my element, and the best restoration of my spirit comes from swimming, kayaking, boating or just floating on a raft. I am a rabid college football fan. The best way to start a day for me is on my back porch with a good cup of coffee, listening to the birds and enjoying a good book or taking a walk or bike ride in nature. Anyone who comes to my house or meets me around town will probably receive a warm greeting from my dog, Jasmine. My husband and I started breeding Jack Russell Terriers 35 years ago, which quickly pivoted to JRT Rescue when we realized that there were many of these brilliant creatures who were misunderstood and abandoned. Late last year, Jasmine found her forever home with us after 13 months with a foster family. An integral part of our family, she loves the car rides, patrolling our house from the window, being on the water and at last, I have a dog who talks back to me when I talk to her.
I welcome you to reach out for a consult so that we can start your journey. You can email me at laurabeth@relationship-center.com or call me at (757)788-2800, ext. 609. Your comfort is important and I want to make this as easy as possible for you!
Rates
Private Pay Counseling Services
| New Client Consultation | Free 15-minute phone consult |
| Initial Assessment for Individual | $225 for 75-minute session |
| Individual Therapy | $185 for 50-minute session |
| Initial Assessment for Couples | $250 for 90-minute session |
| Couples Therapy | $225 for 75-minute session $210 for a 60-minute session |
| Initial Assessment for Families | $250 for a 90-minute session |
| Family Therapy | $225 for 60-minute session |
| Late Cancellation | Full Session Fee for cancellation within 24 hours of appointment |
| No Show Appointment Fee | Full Session Fee + phone call required to be reinstated on schedule |
Payment
Cash, check and credit or debit cards are accepted for payment.
Insurance
While insurance is not accepted at this time, LauraBeth is happy to provide you with receipts and documentation, upon request, to submit to your insurance carrier for reimbursement. Services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. Please review your coverage carefully, and consult with your insurance provider.