About me

Adolescence has been described by some as a time of "normal insanity." For many parents struggling with their teenager, this adage rings more true than they ever could have imagined. What happened to that child who used to laugh, trust you, hold you hand, and curl up in your lap? Kids in their teens are beginning their journey towards adulthood, sometimes through rebellion, challenging family rules and values, and creating distance from their parents. The transition from childhood to teen to young adult is almost always tumultuous, but in this age of technology, bullying, and easy access to temptations of every sort, the pressures are ever more challenging for parents of teens.

For over twenty years I have focused my career on working with teens and their families. I have worked in private practice, a boarding school for troubled teens, and in the inpatient and intensive outpatient programs at the premier facility for children's psychiatric care, Loma Linda Behavioral Medicine Center. In my profession, I have had extensive experience with individual, group and family therapy with adolescents. I also have a broad knowledge of the resources that are available to parents who need to access community care such as hospitals, specialty school programs, and residential treatment.

Whatever your struggles are with your teen, I am here to be a partner and coach to see you through. Whether you are struggling with 'normal' adolescent rebellion, blended family and/or co-parenting issues, or have a child who is in real danger due to drugs, cutting, dangerous peer influence, or school problems, there is hope - and solutions. You don't have to face this struggle on your own. My forte is in being able to make a positive connection with teens, even in through their resistance. I believe in them - and they know it. With parents, my style is one of non-judgemental acceptance and partnership. My approach tends to lean towards the 'no nonsense' practical stance, with an emphasis on empowering parents to reassert their parental roles with strong leadership, communication, and consistency.

My goal for you is to reunite your family and heal the wounds. I want both you and your child to feel loved, respected, and to have safety in your home. Let's work together.


Specialties

  • Stress, Anxiety
  • Relationships
  • Family conflicts
  • Trauma, Abuse
  • Parenting issues
Also experienced in:
Addictions , LGBT , Anger management , Self esteem , Career difficulties , Depression , Coping with life changes , Coaching , Adoption and Foster Care , Blended Family Issues , Caregiver Issues and Stress , Read more...

Clinical approaches:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy

Years of Experience: 21

Services offered


  • Messaging

  • Live Chat

  • Phone

  • Video

Licensing

CA LCSW 19560


Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Lauren Ball. 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.

Written on May 01, 2023 after therapy with Lauren for 7 years and 4 months on issues concerning relationship issues

I have been working with Lauren for a number of years now and couldn't recommend her more highly. She has a depth of expertise in a wide variety of therapeutic styles that I really respond to. Personally, I think anyone open to therapy would feel the same. She has helped me organize my life, focus on my goals, and work through my issues in practical ways that have had tremendous real-world effects for me. Anyone who has the good fortune of being able to work with her I count as very lucky indeed.

Written on Feb 09, 2023 after therapy with Lauren for 2 years and 6 months

Lauren Ball is awesome, I can’t say enough good things about her. She has helped us with our needs greatly.

Written on Sep 12, 2022 after therapy with Lauren for 4 years on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and compassion fatigue

After years of being my therapist, Lauren has always provided amazing support and love. I feel blessed that she has shown up for me to create a safe space to heal. #gratitude #serenity

Written on Oct 20, 2021 after therapy with Lauren for 1 year and 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, parenting issues, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching

I have been with Lauren over a year now, and thanks to her help I feel I have grown a lot, I know and understand myself much better, and I have seen big improvements in the way I manage my emotions, my relationships, and pretty much all aspects of my life. I feel really lucky to have found such a good therapist, so wise, balanced, perceptive and insightful. I have always felt 100% supported and I have never felt misunderstood, not even once. I am truly grateful for all the support I have received from Lauren and I honestly cannot imagine a better counselor.

Written on Sep 24, 2021 after therapy with Lauren for 4 years and 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem

Great counselor very helpful and incite full

Written on Apr 20, 2021 after therapy with Lauren for 5 years and 9 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflicts, grief, and depression

Lauren has been an invaluable resource, helping me navigate my way through life as painlessly as possible. I love that I can trust Lauren without a doubt. I like her style of counseling. It's not one dimensional, sometimes she just listens because I need to be heard more than anything else. Other times, I feel like we are brainstorming together regarding how best to handle any given situation. And most times, she challenges me with an assignment. (Not my favorite modality. ) And I saved the best for last. She never judges. I've shared information about myself that carries a lot of shame for me. Lauren has been wonderful helping me to broaden my perspective, and that has helped me heal tremendously. Please Lauren, don't think about retirement any time soon!

Written on Jun 11, 2020 after therapy with Lauren for 2 months on issues concerning relationship issues

You have been a source of support, great listener and comfort during some of my lowest moments. Thanks for being there for me.

Written on Jun 10, 2020 after therapy with Lauren for 2 months on issues concerning relationship issues, and intimacy-related issues

Lauren is an awesome listener. Keeps you on topic, asks you insightful questions, and gives wise direction. I’ve had a
Weekly sessions with her for a little over two months and it’s made a big difference. I highly recommend her.

Written on May 23, 2020 after therapy with Lauren for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, self esteem, and coaching

Lauren is amazing. She reaches out when I’ve gone dark and makes great recommendations on tools and other ways to cope. 5 stars all the way!

Written on Mar 01, 2020 after therapy with Lauren for 6 months

Lauren is very insightful and she brings a great deal of expertise and professional experience to each session. She is an active listener, who shows both warmth and compassion. She is not timid when it comes to challenging you towards change and she is good at getting to the root of the issues that are causing continued life sabotaging behaviors. I am extremely grateful for her and the support that she has given me and I feel that anyone who has the opportunity to have her as a counselor will be immensely blessed!

Written on Nov 26, 2019 after therapy with Lauren for 2 weeks

I found Lauren to be an excellent listener who then developed an action plan that was relevant, practical, and effective. Should I feel the need is warranted for Lauren's excellent/objective input in the future, I will be sure to contact her again.

Written on Nov 19, 2019 after therapy with Lauren for 3 years and 5 months on issues concerning career difficulties

Worked with Lauren almost 2 years ago and she really helped me get unstuck. She was so great that now that I've hit a rough patch again I am coming back to get rebooted.

Written on Jul 09, 2019 after therapy with Lauren for 2 years and 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and family conflicts

Lauren is great! I really have made so much progress with her help. She is amazing!

Written on May 14, 2019 after therapy with Lauren for 2 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, and self esteem

Lauren's support and guidance has made a world of difference during the time in which I was recovering from a major emotional trauma. She has been patient, encouraging and also soothing when my emotions were sometimes beyond my control or ability to comprehend. The use of the message board, particularly in the beginning of the therapy, was particularly helpful so that we could interact in between meetings.

Written on Sep 18, 2018 after therapy with Lauren for 2 weeks on issues concerning grief

Lauren has been a big help to me and I look forward to going forward with her help.

Written on Aug 30, 2018 after therapy with Lauren for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship, family, trauma and abuse, parenting, self esteem, anger, and career

Lauren is an excellent therapist. She already has many positive evaluations here and I'd agree with all of them. They are a testament to the consistency of her genuine care and professionalism.

Written on Aug 28, 2018 after therapy with Lauren for 2 years and 1 month

I feel that my experience with teencounseling.com has been a good one.

Written on Apr 11, 2018 after therapy with Lauren for 1 year and 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship, grief, eating, and self esteem

Lauren is brilliant and kind and thoughtful. I can write the most naked, messed up stuff to her — stuff I’m immediately embarrassed for having shared, and she always responds so professionally and with such understanding. I’ve never found a counselor like her, and I wouldn’t have found her if it weren’t for teencounseling.com.

Written on Jan 12, 2018 after therapy with Lauren for 2 months on issues concerning depression, relationship, family, self esteem, and anger

Lauren makes me feel heard and important. She definitely asks the right questions to make me realize and see things in a perspective i didn't see before. She messages me in a timely manner and that's awesome! I really recommend her.

Written on Oct 24, 2017 after therapy with Lauren for 10 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship, and self esteem

I love Lauren. I've been working with her for a little over a year now, and she's become a mentor to me. She helps me to focus on taking care of myself before taking care of others, identifying and implementing compassionate boundaries, and is one of the only people in my life who is consistently encouraging and affirming. She also isn't offended by the way I express myself, and she feels comfortable helping me to reframe how I think about navigating life. To reiterate, I love Lauren!

Written on Aug 03, 2017 after therapy with Lauren for 3 weeks on issues concerning relationship

Very happy with process so far.

Written on Jun 06, 2017 after therapy with Lauren for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship, parenting, self esteem, and career

Lauren has been amazing. I came to teencounseling.com in a time when I was having a really hard time and I couldn't even bring myself to go find a therapist, so I used teencounseling.com and Lauren made me feel totally comfortable opening up and helping me work towards getting better at my own pace, with a sense of compassion and understanding.

Written on Jun 06, 2017 after therapy with Lauren for 3 weeks on issues concerning relationship, family, self esteem, and anger

She's an amazing person. She help me find clarity.. and to become strong.. because of her, I know will be okay no matter what.. thank you

Written on Apr 01, 2017 after therapy with Lauren for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, and sleeping

Very caring and thoughtful. She makes it easy to talk to

Written on Mar 26, 2017 after therapy with Lauren for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, lgbt, and sleeping

I can tell she actually cares.

Written on Mar 17, 2017 after therapy with Lauren for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship, grief, eating, and self esteem

Lauren is a kind and patient professional, who makes you feel as though you are being heard and never judged. She is a gentle guide, who will help you set goals by which to gauge your progress and give you the tools you need to see yourself more clearly and compassionately.

Written on Mar 03, 2017 after therapy with Lauren for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, and anger

Really amazing therapist. She's nice and very understanding

Written on Jan 05, 2017 after therapy with Lauren for 4 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship, and self esteem

Lauren is direct and empathetic without being overly sympathetic or condescending, and actively engages while listening which makes me feel heard and understood. She's very open about wanting her clients to utilize her as long as they'd like or can afford, which definitely takes the pressure off the client from initiating or avoiding such conversations. I appreciate Lauren's feedback and the initiative that she takes when sending me helpful tips and information between phone appointments. I highly recommend!

Written on Dec 01, 2016 after therapy with Lauren for 4 months on issues concerning family, trauma and abuse, and self esteem

Lauren has been amazing and has provided me with much insightful advice and guidance. Highly recommend her!

Written on Sep 17, 2016 after therapy with Lauren for 1 month on issues concerning relationship, and career

Lauren is a strong, sound and empathetic counselor who can indefinitely help you to move on a more clear and emotionally sound direction in your life. I highly recommend her for any help you may need untangling and weaving a more integrated and healthy approach to whatever challenges you may face.

Written on Aug 24, 2016 after therapy with Lauren for 3 weeks

After seeing therapists in their offices for several years, I found in Lauren the help I had been looking for. I love the freedom to write whenever I want -and not when a appointment was made-. It's been only two weeks and I'm already feeling better and experiencing improvements in my life :)

Written on Aug 19, 2016 after therapy with Lauren for 2 months on issues concerning career

I've tried a few different online counseling services and a couple of counselors here at teencounseling.com. I use remote counselors regularly on an ongoing basis to manage stuff in my life that is stressful as a long-term strategy and general best-life goals. Happy with Lauren (finally a good fit). Planning on sticking around and eventually going on maintenance. I am sure she is just as amazing for short-term counseling. There are good therapists and then there are therapists good at remote and I think she does both well.

Written on Aug 13, 2016 after therapy with Lauren for 4 days on issues concerning relationship, and trauma and abuse

Lauren was very helpful at sorting my thoughts out often providing worksheets and diagrams for the betterment of my overall emotional health.

Written on Jun 07, 2016 after therapy with Lauren for 4 months on issues concerning relationship

Lauren continues to be very professional, available, and provides valuable feedback to issues we discuss.

Written on May 19, 2016 after therapy with Lauren for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship, family, trauma and abuse, anger, and depression

Very quick to respond and addresses my concerns very well.

Written on Apr 05, 2016 after therapy with Lauren for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related, self esteem, anger, career, and depression

Lauren has been super amazing so far in answering and asking any questions regarding my background and what needs I may have. I am extremely excited to be working with her.

Written on Feb 04, 2016 after therapy with Lauren for 1 month on issues concerning relationship

Lauren is a wonderful therapist. I felt an affinity for her almost immediately, and her considered, articulate and thoughtful advice and analysis has been a great boon to me already. Receiving a message from her in my inbox is always the highlight of my day. She turns the therapeutic experience into an exciting adventure of self-discovery, I couldn't recommend her more highly.

Written on Jan 06, 2016 after therapy with Lauren for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship, self esteem, and depression

Lauren has been amazing. I can say I feel a bit more relaxed ever since I started this counseling with her. I feel like she has the answer for me and the problems I've been going through for a couple years. I wont change over night, it takes patience and time but I know with her help, I'm going to be a better person for myself , relationships and family.

Written on Dec 02, 2015 after therapy with Lauren for 1 month

Friendly, positive, and helpful. She gives exercises, offers suggestions, and replies in a timely manner. You can count on her for support and to be a good sounding board.

Written on Oct 01, 2015 after therapy with Lauren for 4 weeks on issues concerning relationship, family, trauma and abuse, sleeping, and self esteem

Lauren is very kind and follows through to make sure her client is doing alright. She asks a lot of questions to help pinpoint the best way to she can help in an effective, compassionate manner.

Written on Sep 15, 2015 after therapy with Lauren for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and depression

Lauren Ball is an amazing counselor. In the past few weeks, she has given me more tools than other therapists have given me in months. She is very knowledgable about anxiety, depression, and PTSD. She has a huge toolbox of ways to treat these issues. She responds quickly, thoroughly and compassionately to all of my messages. Thank you Lauren, I am so glad to have found you on teencounseling.com.

Written on Aug 05, 2015 after therapy with Lauren for 1 week on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, family, grief, and depression

I am so grateful to be working with Lauren Ball. She is compassionate, non-judgmental, and very gentle with her very wise advice.

When I began working with Lauren, I felt helpless and hopeless of a situation I am currently in. Nothing has changed outwardly, but because of Lauren's direction, I am able to handle a very difficult situation with a sense of peace that I had not experienced before. I believe Lauren to be very intuitive, and she clearly has a great deal of experience in her field. I would highly recommend Lauren for anyone needing tools to cope with a problem they cannot handle on their own.

Work with me!