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...); interracial and interfaith couples; healing complex trauma with EMDR; and cross-cultural issues. 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 17 year's experience seeing clients in private practice and agency settings. My MA is from John F. Kennedy University where I specialized in holistic and somatic psychotherapy, and I trained at the Parnell Institute for EMDR. Additionally, I worked at Rape Trauma Services in Burlingame, and Parkmead Elementary School in Walnut Creek. 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 an anti-racism organization Diversity 2020.
Specialty Area
- Abuse/Neglect
- Anxiety/Panic Attacks
- Bipolar Disorder
- Depression
- Family Issues
- Headaches/Migraines
- Marriage/Relationship Issues
- Mood Disorders
- Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Performance Enhancement
- 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
- Expats
- First Responders
- Immigrants
- Veterans/Military
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.