Laura strives to create an environment in which clients feel safe, understood, respected, and empowered to create change.
Laura’s Areas of Focus
Laura offers both in-person and online therapy in Washington.
- Stress Management
- Women’s Issues
- Beginning/Ending Relationships
- Career Transition
- Divorce
- Mindfulness
About Laura
Laura is a Licensed Mental Health Counseling Associate who began her counseling career in 2018. Before beginning her path to a career in counseling, she worked in several social service agencies in the Seattle/Bellevue area. Laura joined OptimalLife Wellness as a provider in May 2022.
She strives to create an environment where clients feel safe, understood, respected, and empowered to launch change in their lives. Laura’s therapeutic work focuses on building a deep understanding of what brings her client’s into therapy and the goals related to their therapy journey.
Laura employs Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) techniques to help her patients find success. She applies other methods of intervention as needed. Laura believes the patient is the expert on their own life and will work with them to understand the strengths and resources they already possess.
She experiences fulfillment in walking beside her clients as they progress towards their goals. Laura has worked in several different settings for mental health treatment and enjoys working with adults of all ages. Laura will work with you to progress toward your goals in a healthy and well-timed manner.
In her free time Laura is ever seeking the best spot for light roast coffee and spending time with her new and sassy golden retriever.
Training & Education
Laura McDowell received her Master’s Degree in Community Counseling from Seattle University in 2018.
At OptimalLife Wellness, Laura’s work is supervised by Lara Symonds, MA, LMFT, DCEP.