Laura Pearlman, LPC

Internal turmoil can take many forms. People often feel that they should be happy when they are not. We get stuck in behavioral ruts in which we do things that we dislike, and don't pursue our goals or animating passions. We can feel torn between a desire to connect with others and to protect ourselves from others. We often fear difference, the judgement of others, and the unknown in our own futures. It is my belief that this internal turmoil is not a sign that there is something wrong, but rather an invitation to listen to our bodies and souls. And to listen is to turn toward alignment and take steps toward increased self-awareness and joy.

As a therapist, I am a witness to this journey that you are on and also a fellow traveler. It’s my work to create a supportive space in which your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions can be explored with curiosity, kindness, and pragmatism. Together we will look at discomfort and explore the insight that it offers. I will ask questions that help you make connections to yourself and make meaning of the discomfort you feel. You will be given tools to map your thoughts, associations, physical experiences, and emotional states. We will practice being present for experience and feeling where there is openness and where there is restriction. We will greet all the emotions that arise—pain, joy, insecurity, vanity, and more—with a spirit of inquiry. And in doing so, you will come to know yourself better, feel more grounded, and become more capable of being fully present and content in your everyday life.

I have experience and interest helping clients address a variety of issues including anxiety, grief, depression, life transitions, relationship difficulties, career goals, and issues of identity. My therapeutic approach varies depending on the needs of the individual and will take all aspects of client wellbeing—mind, body, and spirit—into consideration when planning treatment. I have special interest in mindfulness-based interventions including Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. I also incorporate a psychoanalytic approach into my practice exploring associations and current experience to understand the self more fully.

l.pearlman@wellmanpsychology.com