Laura Willard LCSW-C

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Laura Willard LCSW-C

Play Therapist, Neurodivergence Friendly Family Therapist

You can imagine the family life you want. But the road to get there has been bumpier than expected. It may even have been traumatic. Nothing seems to go as planned. You wonder “why is this so hard?! Other people make it look so easy. Am I doing something wrong?”

In your family, someone is always upset. And the emotions are intense. The crying and yelling are painful to watch.  And impossible not to react to. When you try to help, they get angry. Or shut you out. Pretty soon you’re crying and yelling too.

You know these emotions are coming from somewhere. From the struggles your child faces day to day. Or from those unexpected traumas in your family’s journey. You see your brilliant, creative, energetic child underneath. And you want to help them see themselves that way too.

Everyone’s turning to you for the answers. And you’re running out of ideas.

All the reading you’ve done on ADHD, or anxiety, or autism (or all 3) hasn’t made it easier.

You know you can’t keep doing this. Especially not alone.

Kids with big feelings, big plans, and big messes are tough to parent. You’ve had to become an expert on your child’s needs and triggers. You’ve answered the calls from school, and tried to help the teachers figure it out. You’ve endured family members’ critiques of your child. And yourself.

You deserve to have someone on your side. Someone who respects the expertise you already have, and the courage it took to ask for help. Someone to pave the way to the family life you imagine.

That someone is me. I’ll answer your parenting questions without judgment.

I’ll use tools like play therapy, mindfulness, and child centered cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to uncover your child’s calmer, happier self.  And yours!

You and your child will yell less, smile more, and feel proud of who you are.  There will be more room for love and listening, and a balance between fun and rules.  And you’ll build skills to keep it that way through the ages and stages.

If you’re ready to become the family team you always hoped to be, click adult therapy, child behavioral therapy, play therapy, or parenting support to get started.

 

Laura’s Specialties

  • Therapy for children using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), play therapy, and mindfulness to improve emotional regulation and executive function.

  • Therapy for families using solution-focused techniques to navigate challenges such as divorce, grief and loss, and trauma.

  • Therapy for adults coping with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other concerns.

  • SPACE treatment for child anxiety.

Education and Training

  • Master of Social Work, Catholic University

  • Board Approved Clinical Supervisor of Social Workers, Professionals Counselors, and Marriage and Family Therapists

  • Specialized training in Child Centered Play Therapy, Trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT), Sandtray Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Strengths-based Family Therapy

Fun Facts About Laura

  • I’m a proud dog Mom (and human Mom). My pup is as big as I am!

  • I have a 1st degree black belt in Muay Thai kickboxing

  • I lived in Central America for 2 years (in the Peace Corps)

  • I love being out in nature with my pup and son.

Are you ready to start counseling in Maryland with Laura Willard LCSW-C?

Click counseling for yourself, child behavioral therapy, play therapy, or parenting support to learn more and book an appointment.