Laura Gonzaga, APCC

Hello! My name is Laura Gonzaga. I am a Brazilian-American associate professional clinical counselor with a passion for personal development and supporting individuals to release emotional and mental blocks that are hindering them from obtaining their highest potential. You can heal, achieve your goals, and lead a joyful, healthy life is my conviction.

I earned my Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Queens College in New York City, graduating with honors. My clinical experience includes working with adults facing life transitions, grief/loss, anxiety, depression, stress, and career exploration. I have also worked with children struggling with emotional regulation, anger management, and self-confidence issues. Additionally, I have experience working with the homeless population, veterans struggling with addictions, facilitating mental health groups, and supporting a broad range of individuals throughout various U.S. states facing challenges from parenthood, to relationship struggles, and day-to-day life stress.

I work with stress management, anxiety, depression, life and career purpose, emotional regulation, transitions, grief and loss, as well as personal growth and human potential. My approach is client-centered, evidence-based, and broad. I utilize therapies like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Solution-Focused Therapy, Strengths-Based Therapy, Play/Art Therapy for children, mindfulness techniques, hypnotherapy, somatics, and also work with a holistic picture for treatment that examines biological, psychological, and societal factors impacting a person’s lack of wellbeing. My methods are geared towards health, vitality, healing, and fulfillment of goals.

As someone who is bicultural, I understand cultural sensitivities and cast a wide net when it comes to understanding how upbringing, culture, and our environment impact and shape personality, beliefs, and behaviors. In therapy, I take a collaborative approach to tailor each client’s specific needs and personal goals, borrowing skills and philosophies from both the Western and Eastern worlds. I approach therapy by looking at both body and mind, and for those who are open to it, also the soul.

In my personal time, I love spending time outdoors in nature, whether hiking or on a beach. I love travel and seeing the world. I lead an active lifestyle and enjoy going to the gym, jogging, and practicing yoga. I’m obsessed with personal growth, learning new things, reading, listening to podcasts, and attending nourishing events. I’m involved in multiple projects and am an advocate for a happy, peaceful, and purposeful life.

One of my goals is to create a safe and trusting environment where clients can feel supported and heard. I am committed to helping clients through life’s difficulties and helping them use their personal power to heal, find their joy, achieve their goals and make powerful improvements in their lives.