Meet Laura: Breaking Generational Cycles, Validating Neurodivergence, and Having Fun

Brave is thrilled to be growing with intention to serve the needs of our West Michigan community. We recently connected with Laura about what she loves most about working in this realm and how her personality might be right for you.

What are the areas that interest you most within this line of work?

For me, my experience has been with pregnant folks and during post-partum period. But what I’m most passionate about is any individual – parent or not – that wants to be a cycle breaker. It’s where I’ve been serving for over five years. When I pursued this career, I wanted to do something different and didn’t quite know what it was: it’s this. It’s hard work to break that generational cycle.

I also really enjoy working with folks that are neurodivergent. Personally, I don’t see it in a lot of therapies; the attention to how executive dysfunction can impact daily functioning and mental health. There’s a lot of folks that can feel isolated or really wonder what’s wrong with them when it’s really just how their brain works. Neurodivergence is real and valid, and we’re in an era where we’re learning so much about it all the time. We can adapt and identify your strengths. Different doesn’t ever mean bad.

What is the most rewarding thing you’ve had happen in your work?

The most rewarding thing is seeing someone find hope where they had no hope before. I think that even if they’re just clinging to it, it’s just the most rewarding thing. Hope is the most crucial coping skill we all have. It’s only human to lose it in difficult moments in life. So, to give confidence to that hope, we can soar from there.

What does self-care meant to you, and how do you practice this in your own life?

Oh, self-care. Self-care is ever-changing. We need to accept that we need different things at different times. I break it down in different arenas: social self-care, physical movement self-care, and health self-care. To me, there are different facets of it. I think the theme is to find joy in it ­­– in all arenas. It’s not always fun, but it is necessary. I always like to add a twist of humor or fun.

What does it mean to be brave?

Being brave is doing something that is uncomfortable or flat-out terrifies you and doing it anyway because you know it’s what’s right or what’s good. Put yourself in the spotlight and do it. Doing the hard thing. That’s where bravery is.

What has being a counselor taught you?

It’s really taught me self-compassion and lending that compassion to others, too. I love the concept of rupture and repair. To me, that means it’s okay to make mistakes: ruptures. There is forgiveness and growth from that. You can repair it, fix it, make meaning of it, and learn from it. It’s what it means to be human.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

As human beings, our job is to be curious and not have all the answers. The more we can practice curiosity, the gentler we can be with ourselves and the world around us. Try to understand what’s going on around us and inside us, instead of being judgmental and reactionary.

What do you like to do outside of your career?

A lot of things! I love to be active. Yoga and dance are important to me. I just recently got involved in theater again at the Grand Rapids Civic Theater. I love musicals in the community. I love spending time with my cats and listening to music. I am a big D&D player as well! There’s probably more, but that’s what is at top that brings me joy.

If you could travel anywhere, where and why?

I would really like to go to Italy. My maternal grandparents are from there, and I have family in the Luca area. The Italian American culture is important to me, as it’s what I grew up in. I’d love to visit not just because it’s beautiful, or for the art and food – but because it feels like being closer to family and who I am.

Name an interesting fact about yourself.

I worked at Disney World for about a year. I was in food service and bounced around the parks.

What advice would you give to someone considering counseling?

Be generous with yourself. Starting is scary, and that’s okay. You’re not expected to get it “right.” You’re not expected to just trust and have a relationship right off the bat with your therapist. They are a stranger. You deserve to have time to build that trust and security. Be generous with yourself, too, especially if it’s not a good fit.

People say, “I’m doing therapy wrong,” but there’s no way to do it wrong. It’s alright to shop around a little bit for the right fit, and to speak up when something doesn’t feel right. If you want more of something that maybe you’re not getting, it’s okay to name that. Therapists are not mind readers. We just don’t know if there is something that you don’t like unless you name it.

What’s it like to seek therapy with you?

I have a humorous style, and I like to use it. It’s not to say I’d use it inappropriately, ever. But if someone is looking for a good joke? Let’s build our trust through moments of levity.

To speak with Laura or one of our other licensed counselors, contact us today. Reaching out is the first step, and we’ll guide you every step of the way.