Laura Grotenhuis, LPC, Approved Supervisor, Master’s Level Splankna Practitioner
So glad you are here! Let me introduce myself. My name is Laura Grotenhuis (pronounced grow·ten·hice). Here you will find information you need to learn more about me, the way that I approach counseling and about starting therapy.
Contact me using the contact form below.
Am I the right counselor for you? Believe it or not, the most important factor in choosing a therapist is not years of experience or types of therapies offered, it is how well you get along with your therapist. Compatibility is the number one factor in determining your comfort level and success. So, the best thing to do is call several counselors and have a list of questions that you would like answered. Choose the therapist that best fits with you!
You want a therapist that has experience in the difficulty that you are experiencing. I specialize in the following issues: addictions of many types, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, obsessive/compulsive disorders, and problems related to trauma and PTSD. I also can provide education related to stress management, coping with difficult emotions, and communication.
I use a variety of treatment approaches depending on the needs and goals of my clients. Potential clients can schedule a 30 minute free consultation by phone or in person to learn more about the modalities that I use In order to see if those are the most beneficial to their problems. These therapy approaches include IFS - Internal Family Systems theory, Splankna, DBT - Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Person-centered therapy with a focus on attachment.
My philosophy is that all people want their life to get better, but sometimes we can convince ourselves that it cannot get any better. We get stuck! As human beings, we are only able to make changes when we are in a supportive and safe environment. People do the best they can to cope with the stresses of life, so in order for someone to be able to do something different they need new coping skills, strategies and opportunities to talk about the things that have happened in the past.
My professional training began with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois. I completed my Masters in Education in Community and Agency Counseling, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. My training has continued since that time with over 1,000 hours of additional coursework in addiction treatment, alternative trauma and abuse treatment, parenting techniques, art therapy, supervision, and ethics.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Colorado and have 25 years of experience counseling adults and adolescents. I am certified as a Master's Level Splankna Practioner and have Level I and II training as a EMDR Practitioner. I have 22 years of experience providing clinical supervision for interns and post-Masters therapists that are seeking licensure.
Areas of specialty: IFS-Informed approach (completed Internal Family Systems Circle Training), Splankna, DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), Depression, Anxiety, Grief/Loss, Self Esteem/Confidence, PTSD, OCD, Addiction, Family conflict, Parenting skills, Spiritual Growth
What I enjoy: spending time with my adult son and middle school age daughter, traveling, camping in ‘Sylvia’ my restored 1965 trailer, numerous National Park trips, journeying through life with my God and my incredible friends, and creating, whether that be with fabric, paint, pen, paper, or even dance.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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