Lauren Stuart, LPC
Lauren Stuart, LPC
How can I support you?
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the Commonwealth of Virginia. I see clients in-person or virtually from my office in Arlington, Virginia.
I work primarily with children and adolescents, and I have additional training and experience working with individuals on the Autism spectrum and with approaches related to play therapy.
I am in the process of getting my dog’s Therapy Dog certification.
Get to Know Me:
I grew up in Arlington.
In my free time I enjoy playing guitar, painting, reading, playing volleyball, and spending time with friends, family, and pets.
What you need to know:
You may opt to not have Oakley in sessions. If you chose to not have him present, then I will close and lock the waiting room for the duration of the session.
Oakley is a large golden retriever (100lbs).
If you or your child have a fear of dogs (however mild) then animal assisted therapy may not be appropriate for you. Let’s discuss potential risks & benefits prior to the start of our work together.
As Oakley’s handler & as you/your child’s therapist I will be looking out for your welfare as well as his. However, it is important to remember that Oakley is an animal & as such can be unpredictable.
Animals have individual rights, just as each client has rights. Oakley gets to decide how & when he participates in the sessions. It is important for everyone’s benefit (as well as safety) that he is not coerced or mistreated. He typically greets people enthusiastically & then wants lots of pets.
Confidentiality is important to Oakley. He won’t talk about you, but it is possible he may recognize you or your childoutside of a session. Don’t worry he is very friendly with people, so no one need know that he actually knows you.
Oakley, Therapy Dog
Oakley and I have completed his therapy dog certification training through Off-Leash K-9 Therapy of Northern Virginia.
The use of animals by health professionals in their work is called animal assisted therapy. Numerous studies that show that interacting with animals helps people lower their blood pressure, increases engagement & reduces anxiety & depression.
Unique you;
unique counseling.
Autism
Neurodivergence
Attention Disorders (ADHD)
Anxiety
Anger Management
Conduct and Impulse Control
Emotional Regulation
Social Skills
Self-Esteem and Confidence
Depression
Family dynamics
Transitions
Parenting
Mood Disorders
Bipolar
Trauma & PTSD
Body Image
Anxiety & Panic
Life Transitions
Internal Family Systems
Education & Training
University of Pennsylvania:
M.S.Ed. in Counseling and Mental Health Services
M.Phil.Ed. in Professional Counseling
College of William and Mary:
B.S. in Psychology and Kinesiology
Member of the American Counseling Association (ACA)
Licensed Professional Counselor:
VA 0701012681
National Board for Certified Counselors:
NCC# 1731238