Never has mental health support been needed more than it does today. I see the stress people are under at work, at home, in school, and it is so clear to me that they need someone to talk to, someone who can offer a healthy perspective, someone who can suggest alternatives that can help people cope with the pressures of daily living, and their reactions to it. My personal mission is to find coping mechanisms for the patients in my care.
In the 17 years since I earned my Masters Degree in Psychology at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY, and the 13 years since I earned my license as a mental health counselor in Florida, I have worked hard to help people deal with their emotional reactions to their personal situations. Drug abuse, suicide ideation, anxiety and anger can be very harmful reactions to their perceptions and assessment of the problems they face.
I am trained in treating with a variety of diagnoses including trauma, substance abuse, ADHD, bipolar disorder and other mental health diagnoses.
I take great personal satisfaction when I can help make a difference in someone’s life. Their success is my reward.
I have found that young people respond best when they believe I am listening, when they believe I can actually help them cope so that the problems they have no longer seem insurmountable. Younger children often open up during play therapy.
Most of my career has been focused on children. But helping children always involves helping their families, their teachers and bringing in adult support. In the process, I have provided therapy and guidance to adults whose pressures and diagnoses have such tremendous impact on the children whose lives they touch.
In my years as a mental health counselor, I have successfully treated a variety of diagnoses, working in patients’ homes, in teletherapy, and in office visits. I have treated people in in-patient hospital settings. I have been called by local police departments when a dangerous crisis has erupted and been successful getting the patient into treatment.
I have been published in the local newspapers in an effort to generate awareness and help remove the stigma of mental health issues.
There is so much more that needs to be done to help people with mental health issues, and I very much want to continue my efforts to be part of the solution.
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Intimacy-related issues, Self esteem, Depression, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Attachment issues, Communication problems, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), Domestic violence, Emptiness, Family problems, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Mood disorders, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Post-traumatic stress, Self-harm, Self-love, Social anxiety and phobia, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems
FL LMHC MH11691
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Laura Guarino. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Laura is a lovely person. She listens carefully and gives wonderful feedback and suggestions to help me navigate my trying times and personal struggles. I highly recommend this highly qualified, well educated and compassionate therapist.
Written on Oct 07, 2023 after therapy with Laura for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, family conflicts, parenting issues, self esteem, and adhd
My therapist is absolutely amazing!
Written on Aug 04, 2023 after therapy with Laura for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
She's the best therepist. Very caring and always gives the best advice. I appreciate her honest and direct approach. Would definitely recommend.
Written on Jul 24, 2023 after therapy with Laura for 1 year and 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, and self esteem
I have tried a lot of therapists in the past few years and honestly Laura has been the best. At our first session, we discussed how I prefer to communicate and how I prefer to receive feedback. She has helped me a lot with only a few months of working with me. I strongly recommend Laura to anyone who does not want to feel judged, and even if you are like me and never like to talk about your problems. She makes it really easy, its like speaking to someone you have known and not to a robot provider
Written on Dec 04, 2022 after therapy with Laura for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, and bipolar disorder
She listens to me and understands my needs & concerns. I've made a lot of progress with her.
Written on Oct 11, 2022 after therapy with Laura for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Thanks for everything you do!!
Written on Oct 06, 2022 after therapy with Laura for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and anger management