“Good or bad, everything we do is our best choice at that moment.”

- William Glasser

Hola! My name is Laura Folsom and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor.  I’ve been providing therapy services since 2020. If there is one thing I want all of my clients to walk away from therapy with, it is gentleness with themselves. Life can be really tough and sometimes we cope by being really hard on ourselves. We repeat messages we have heard from people around us, our upbringing, or societal expectations.  Even when these messages are well intentioned or sent with love, we can turn them into unrealistic expectations or criticism that make us feel as if we aren't enough.   

There is a beautiful balance between accountability and compassion, and I want to help you find the balance that works for you.  

My therapeutic approach is client-centered, compassionate, culturally attuned, and authentic. This means you have the answers. I'm just here to give you a safe space to unravel your thoughts and feelings in order to help you reach your goals.

Laura Folsom, LPCC #15190 (she/her/ella)

Clinician

My areas of clinical dedication include (see below for my training and education):

  • PTSD, Complex-PTSD, and trauma-focused healing  (childhood, adulthood)

  • Sexual Trauma (childhood, adulthood)

  • Anxiety and panic (including around life stressors/changes)

  • Relationships (romantic, familial, friendships)

  • Infidelity

  • Military Connected Stressors (Military Sexual Trauma, separation from service, deployment reunification for Couples, and other stressors connected to Military service)

  • Education

    I graduated Cum Laude from the University of Florida in 2018 (Go Gators!). I majored in Sociology and minored in Anthropology.

    I then graduated with an MA from The University of San Diego. My degree is in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and my graduate program included two years of coursework, and a year of practicum experience.

    Prior to my Clinical work, I served as a Quartermaster in the U.S. Navy. While this training is very different from my training as a Clinician it allows me to serve military connected Client’s in a unique way.

  • Training and Licensing

    I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in CA, #15190. I provide therapeutic services in both English and Spanish.

    I have received advanced training in PTSD assessment and treatment, couples therapy, trauma-informed care, and serving LGBTQ+ populations.

    Remaining up to date with my continued learning is quintessential to offering the highest quality of care to my clients. It is important to me to utilize evidence-based practices. I am trained in the following modalities. For more information, follow the links below:

    EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing)

    https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/

    CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy)

    https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand_tx/cognitive_processing.asp

    IBCT (Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy)

    https://ibct.psych.ucla.edu/about/

    CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - Insomnia)

    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/in-depth/insomnia-treatment/art-20046677

  • Experience

    My clinical experience has been primarily in non-profit spaces.

    I have worked in residential and outpatient settings with a wide range in severity of symptoms.

    I have served veterans/active-duty service members and their families, along with civilians, adults, and young people, ranging from 10-75.

    I have experience with substance abuse, depression, anxiety, Bipolar, PTSD, suicidal ideation and behaviors, gender dysphoria and more.

*Open Chair is LGBTQIA+ affirming, and welcomes all people and all of the identities they hold, including; race, culture, ethnicity, ability level, body shape/size, neurodiversity, education, income, occupation, immigration status, and any other important parts of you. All Open Chair clinicians are ND affirming and work from an anti-oppressive lens.