ABOUT LAURA BYRNES
I obtained my Master’s in Counseling from William Paterson University and I have been working as a School Counselor for the past seven years at a high school in Passaic County. I am also a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of New Jersey. I completed my Perinatal Mental Health training through Postpartum Support International. This specialized training allows me to work with individuals who are experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders as well as individuals struggling with infertility, perinatal loss, and traumatic birth. Additional areas of expertise include anxiety, self-esteem, coping with LGBTQIA+ issues, coping with different life stressors and loss, and career exploration. Through the therapeutic process, I encourage my client’s to reach their full potential and lead more contented and satisfying lives.
APPROACH TO THERAPY
I think the foundation to counseling is establishing relationships with my clients by building a strong rapport. I lean towards a humanistic approach and strive to create a comfortable, non-judgmental environment where my clients can openly explore their lives and emotions. I also utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Interpersonal Psychotherapy. I know that becoming a parent is a major time of transition and parents often need tools to help them manage their symptoms of anxiety and depression. Ultimately, my goal is to help my clients develop a stronger, healthier sense of self, as well as an understanding of their feelings to help gain a sense of meaning in life.
PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH
The path to parenthood is no picnic. I fully understand and appreciate the spectrum of emotions that come with parenthood. From grieving the loss of your “past self”, mom guilt, finding a work/life balance, and being overwhelmed with all of the new decisions that need to be made on a daily basis, I am here to help! Parenting can be one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences and I am here to provide support to parents during this transition while also ensuring my clients prioritize their own self-care and wellbeing. It is important for me establish a strong therapeutic relationship with my clients so they feel comfortable exploring of their strengths and struggles. I am passionate about supporting moms and women because I know that women thrive when they prioritize their wellbeing.
