Lauren Jones
About Lauren
An East-coast native, I came to Austin after completing my graduate degree in clinical mental health counseling at The College of William and Mary. My clinical work has been broadly focused on working with under-served communities, corrections populations, and adult survivors of childhood trauma.
Outside of work, I enjoy baking, gardening, spending time with my two cats, and watching "B" movies with friends.
Approach to Therapy
I deeply value the belief that safety within the therapeutic relationship serves as the bedrock for healing and growth. Central to my approach is the understanding that the struggles individuals face should be viewed as functional adaptations to life circumstances. Within this framework, I strive to cultivate an environment of compassion, understanding, and non-judgment where clients feel secure enough to explore their innermost experiences and vulnerabilities and experiment with change.
At the center of my identity as a therapist is an Existential-Humanistic and Gestalt approach, which emphasizes the interpersonal relationship between therapist and client as a catalyst for change. Clients are guided towards awareness of their internal experience and empowered to take ownership of that experience for the sake of driving meaningful choices and effecting change. Through genuine presence, empathy, and attunement, I create a supportive and collaborative environment where clients feel seen, heard, and valued so that they can explore and experiment with new ways of being.
I often incorporate elements of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. This approach views the psyche as comprised of various parts, each with its own unique perspectives, emotions, and motivations. By fostering curiosity and compassion towards these internal parts, clients are guided towards integration and harmony within themselves, ultimately leading to a greater sense of wholeness and self-compassion.
Additionally, I utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to address and process unresolved trauma and distressing experiences. Through bilateral stimulation, clients are guided to reprocess traumatic memories in a safe and controlled manner, allowing for the integration of adaptive information and the alleviation of distressing symptoms.
Overall, my therapeutic approach is holistic, integrative, and client-centered, with a focus on fostering a safe and compassionate space for healing and growth. I aim to empower clients to navigate through their inner struggles, overcome obstacles, and ultimately live more authentic and fulfilling lives.
Contact Information:
lauren@dogwoodtherapyatx.com
(512) 827-9726