About me
So many people, especially young people need mental health support today. I see the stress young people are under at home, in school, with friends and family, and it is so clear to me that young people need someone like me to talk to, someone who can offer a healthy perspective, someone who can suggest alternatives that help young 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 young people deal with their understandably emotional reactions to their personal situations. It is very common to abuse drugs, think about suicide, feel anxious, angry and depressed. But those can be very harmful reactions to the perceptions and assessment of the problems young people face.
I am licensed and trained with lots of experience helping young people cope with their feelings and finding ways to understand their reactions to 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. My reward is helping my patients find ways to be happy and successful despite the anxieties of daily living.
I am a really good listener. I have found that young people respond best when they realize I am listening, and 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 important they can begin to understand that they are not alone.
Helping teens and children always involves helping their families, their teachers and bringing in adult support. No young person can succeed without it.
In my years as a mental health counselor, I have worked in patients’ homes, with teletherapy, and in office visits. I have treated young people in hospitals. I have been called by local police departments when a dangerous crisis erupts, and I have been successful getting my patient into treatment, often making it possible for therapy to take place in the home.
I realize that mental health issues may be embarrassing to young people. In an effort to help remove the stigma of mental health issues, I have written articles for local newspapers to create a better understanding and solicit help for young people in crisis.
There is so much more that needs to be done to help young people with mental health issues, and I very much want to continue my efforts to be part of the solution.
Specialties
- Stress, Anxiety
- Family conflicts
- Trauma, Abuse
- Parenting issues
- Bipolar disorder
Addictions , Intimacy-related issues , Self esteem , Depression , Coping with life changes , Compassion fatigue , ADHD , Attachment issues , Communication problems , Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) , Read more...
Clinical approaches:
Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems
Years of Experience: 18
Services offered
Messaging
Live Chat
Phone
Video
Licensing
FL LMHC MH11691
Reviews
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 Teen Counseling 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.
My therapist is absolutely amazing!
She’s amazing!
She's the best therepist. Very caring and always gives the best advice. I appreciate her honest and direct approach. Would definitely recommend.
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
She listens to me and understands my needs & concerns. I've made a lot of progress with her.
Thanks for everything you do!!
Laura is an incredible therapist! She is a great listener and a wonderful soundboard. She listened to my life experiences and has provided me a mental toolbox to help my anxiety. I highly recommend Laura to anyone going through a crisis.
I love Laura! She is so easy to talk to and really helps me work through everything happening in my life.
I have been working with Laura for two months now and I can’t tell you how great she’s been there are no words. I have come from an extremely dark place that I didn’t think I could get out of and she has helped me tremendously come through it and I am seeing light at the end of the tunnel now. thank you so much Laura I always look forward to speaking with you every week!
Very helpful, responsive and resourceful
I have only had two sessions with Laura, but she is such a blessing. I have always struggled with opening up to people, but she makes it easy. Other therapists never seemed to care much, but she goes out of her way to make me feel heard and shows that she cares. I’m so grateful for her.
She was very kind and compassionate
She was very smart and helpful
She is amazing. Really relatable and easy to talk to. I feel no shame or guilt talking to her about anything at anytime!