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complex trauma and somatic therapy

Laura Stephan, PsyD, LP

Laura Stephan, PsyD, LP. Laura (she/her) is a female clinical psychologist in the Minneapolis / Saint Paul specializing in somatic therapy.

Welcome!

 

I’m Laura, a Clinical Psychologist specializing in somatic therapy for complex trauma. I love working with clients who feel stuck with trauma therapy.

 

If you're curious whether a different modality might work better, or why therapy hasn’t worked for you, you’re in the right place. You may have tried trauma processing and found it only somewhat helpful, or so overwhelming it didn't help at all. Maybe you don’t have specific memories to process, but instead experience vague, overwhelming feelings. Chronic illness or ADHD might also make it hard to focus or access your inner experiences.

 

Combining somatic therapy, attachment therapy, and accessible mindfulness, my approach is both gentle and powerful. Rather than just retelling your trauma story, we pay attention to how it shows up in the present moment. I’ll support you in tracking your nervous system throughout each session, helping you stay connected and grounded. If you're looking for a different way to process trauma, I would be thrilled to be your therapist.

therapy focused on trauma, attachment, and mind-body healing

Everyone comes to therapy for a different reason. But we all have nervous systems that are affected by stress and trauma, we all approach relationships based on our early attachment experiences, and we all have minds and bodies that work together to make us feel a certain way.

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here’s what you can expect in a therapy session with me:

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  • To be met where you’re at. Therapy and processing will happen at a pace that feels right to you.

  • To be welcomed. Everyone in the full spectrum of body size, disability, and chronic illness can experience wellness.

  • To not be blamed. Mental health is a constellation of genes, environment, and the resources we have access to. What you’re experiencing is not your fault, and together we will find the tools to help you feel better.

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I have training in various methods of psychotherapy. But the most important thing is what will help YOU, and I will collaborate with you to achieve your goals. My therapy style incorporates both somatic and relational approaches based in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. Here’s what each of those methods involve.

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somatic therapy uses the body as a guide:
 

  • Releases emotions that feel “stuck”

  • Doesn’t require verbal processing

  • Provides a powerful way to process trauma

  • Teaches an accessible approach to mindfulness that doesn’t have to involve meditation

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relational therapy can help you connect with yourself:
 

  • Get in touch with your emotions

  • Clarify your goals and values

  • Figure out your needs and boundaries in relationships
     

it can also improve connections with others:
 

  • Process trauma from caregivers

  • Learn your attachment style and build secure attachment

  • Build healthier relationship patterns

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Learn about my professional background and clinical training.

contact me

Available for virtual (telehealth)* and in person sessions
*in Minnesota and Wisconsin only

ready set up a free consultation?
email me here:
 
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