Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist #120628
Laura Black
M.A., LMFT
ABOUT LAURA
Simply put, practicing marriage and family therapy is what I was called to do. I've dedicated my life and career to understanding and improving human connection because "the quality of our relationships determines the quality of our lives".
I am invigorated by helping people of all backgrounds feel understood and seen; helping them discover their joys,
confront their pains, and embody bravery in the face of change.
My background is layered with experience in working with diverse populations worldwide. My specialties in
Relationships, Stress, and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) was born through the depth of my
experience working with: couples repairing their relationships, adults overcoming crippling anxieties, individuals
redesigning their role in family dynamics, teens struggling in school and socially, managing neurodivergence,
friendship transitions, adults and families impacted by substance use, youth and families impacted by the court
system, families affected by divorce or life transitions, children reunifying with estranged parents, blended
families rewriting expectations, chronic medical issues, trauma survivors, and couples preparing for marriage.
Let me show you what it feels like to build a safe relationship where you feel heard, accepted, and understood in
a new way that is productive & healing. Let me teach you how to replicate that with others, and most importantly - yourself. I step in where people get stuck - your sincere intentions for change no longer have to be figured out on your own. It will feel new for you - a deeper sense of connection in your relationships and the practice of ‘balance’ feeling more doable. We’ll take it step-by-step, gradually facing past wounds that are holding you back from developing the confidence & skills needed to feel empowered today.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree in Law & Society and Psychology
from Purdue University
Master’s Degree in Couple and Family Therapy from
the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP),
at Alliant International University
Awards
Couple and Family Therapy Educational Stipend Award
Issued by the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) of the state of California. This grant represents my ability to effectively demonstrate evidence based skills while maintaining multicultural sensitivity.
I pursued extensive training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) so that I could effectively intervene in those repetitive painful moments that cause so much suffering and damage to the relationship with ourselves and others. EFT looks at the whole picture but especially focuses on the wisdom your emotions hold, leading to the discovery of your authentic and innermost needs, fears, and longings. Far too often we are taught to abbreviate, limit, lessen, get over, toughen up, and stop altogether how we feel. The accumulating effect of this stifling practice results in emotional collapse or eruption. I can help you discover what might be getting in the way of living the life you long for.
Therapeutic Approach
Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), is an experiential, evidenced-based model that has been validated through decades of research. With a 70-75% rate of recovery for couples in distress, about 63% of couples maintain progress long after ending therapy, and about 90% of couples showing significant improvement; EFT assists couples in improving communication, changing patterns, strengthening the relationship bond, and (re)establishing connection, trust, and safety in the relationship. This powerful approach may be used in couple, family, and individual counseling. The model is based on the science of emotions, attachment theory, humanistic psychology and family systems theory.
The science of attachment is the most advanced relationship science in existence today. Attachment refers the particular way in which you relate to other people. We each have a certain style of attachment that was influenced and developed at the very beginning of life. Once established, your attachment style remains in place and directly influences how you relate to yourself, in intimate relationships, and in how you parent your children.
*Quote by Esther Perel