Ms. Laura M Gardner, MA, LMFT

(she/her/hers)
Preferred Name: Laura

About Me

Does it feel like nothing is ever good enough and neither are you? You don’t have to feel this way - therapy helps. We can work together to overcome crises, learn to calm yourself down, build confidence, feel more hopeful, communicate more effectively, build and have better relationships, feel comfortable in your own skin, feel whole, and much more! Send me a message today. My areas of focus include overcoming perfectionism; trauma (e.g. rape, abuse, car accidents...); anxiety & stress; sexual assault; healing complex trauma with EMDR. I have a warm and direct style. Passion for my work combines my interests in the body/mind connection, love of diverse cultures, and fascination with human nature. I love what I do and truly respect my clients' willingness to bring their inner world to the forefront. Let's talk so you can begin the journey to feel better.

Education & Experience

I have 18 year's experience seeing clients in private practice and agency settings. Through a holistic and somatic lens, I treat clients where early attachment has been disrupted (perfectionism, anxiety, depression, abuse, assault...). Ultimately, my clients develop more calm, more control over their emotions, more expression, and more freedom and choice in their lives! I completed my EMDR training at the Parnell Institute. I am licensed in California and Oregon.

Professional & Volunteer Affiliations

I am a member of the following professional organizations: California Association of MFTs (CAMFT); East Bay chapter of CAMFT; The Parnell Institute; EMDRIA; and a former member of anti-racism organization Diversity 2020.

Specialty Area

  • Abuse/Neglect
  • Anxiety/Panic Attacks
  • Attachment Disorders
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Birth Trauma/Pregnancy Loss
  • Depression
  • Family Issues
  • Headaches/Migraines
  • Marriage/Relationship Issues
  • Mood Disorders
  • Motor Vehicle Accidents
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders
  • Performance Enhancement
  • Phobias
  • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Race, Culture, Ethnicity Issues
  • Self-Harm
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Somatic Issues
  • Spirituality
  • Sports Injuries
  • Stress Management
  • Traumatic Incident

Population Served

  • Adults
  • Couples
  • First Responders
  • Immigrants

Language

  • English

Insurance


Superbill for out-of network reimbursement. I am currently not taking insurance clients, so if you have Anthem or Aetna, you would need to sign a "Consent to Self-Pay" form.