Lauren stanley
MA,Lpcc
If you’re here, something probably feels heavy, overwhelming, or hard to carry on your own. Most people don’t look for a counselor because life is going great. You may be used to holding it all together, showing up for others, pushing through, and doing what needs to be done. But underneath, it can feel like something isn’t quite right, even if you can’t name it.
Parts of this reflect my own story. My path into counseling grew out of both my personal experience in counseling and my time working as a registered nurse in the ICU, where I cared for people in some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. That experience shaped the way I see both myself and others. It deepened my empathy for people’s stories and strengthened my ability to stay present with people in distress, holding space for what is often difficult to put into words. It also gave me a unique insight into the connection between the body and mind in the healing process.
Because of both my personal and professional experiences, I approach counseling through a trauma-informed lens. I am trained in EMDR, CBT/ACT, and somatic-based work, and I see people as whole - body, mind, and spirit. I am especially interested in how your nervous system, past experiences, and internal patterns shape the way you move through life.
At the heart of my work is a desire to walk with people in the process of healing and restoration, creating a space where you don’t have to perform or have everything figured out, but can be honest, make sense of what’s going on, and begin moving toward a life that feels more whole, steady, and sustainable.
Trauma & Nervous System Healing
You may feel stuck in patterns you do not fully understand, reacting more strongly than you want to, shutting down, or living in a constant state of overwhelm. Even when life looks fine on the outside, your body may still be carrying the weight of past experiences.
Together, we’ll work to understand how your nervous system has been trying to protect you, and how those patterns, while once helpful, may now be keeping you stuck. I often use EMDR and somatic-based approaches to help you process what hasn’t had space to be processed before.
Healing doesn’t come from forcing yourself forward. It comes from creating enough safety to begin moving through. Over time, this work can help you feel more grounded, more connected, and more at home within yourself.
Burnout & Helping Professionals
You are the one people rely on. You show up, stay strong, and carry more than most people realize. But lately, it feels like too much. You’re exhausted, maybe disconnected, and unsure how to slow down without everything falling apart.
I have a special heart for helping professionals, including healthcare workers, ministry leaders, counselors, and caregivers, who are at risk for burnout and secondary trauma. Many people in these roles are so used to caring for others that they often don’t know how to care for themselves.
In our work together, we’ll look at the patterns that keep you overextending and begin building rhythms that are actually sustainable. You don’t have to lose your strength, and you don’t have to lose yourself in the process. Sometimes healing looks like learning to take a breath and “try softer, not harder”.
Faith & Spiritual Abuse
If your faith feels complicated, especially after experiences of hurt, confusion, or spiritual abuse, you are not alone. You may feel unsure what you believe anymore, disconnected from a faith that once felt meaningful, or asking questions you never expected to ask. You may also feel caught in patterns of thinking or believing that are hard to untangle, or unsure how to make sense of what you have experienced without bypassing what is real.
When it feels important to you, I integrate faith into counseling in a way that allows space for both truth and healing, without pressure to rush or perform. I care deeply about walking with people in these spaces where theology, trauma, and real life intersect. Together, we can process your story, make sense of what you have experienced, and move toward a faith that feels more honest, grounded, and life-giving.
Trying softer isn't about knowing or doing the right thing; it's about being gentle with ourselves in the face of pain that is keeping us stuck. Because no matter how hard we try, we can't hate or shame ourselves into change. Only love can move us toward true growth. - Aundi Kolber
How I Help
I take an integrative approach to counseling because no two people are the same. I draw from EMDR, CBT/ACT, somatic awareness, and relational approaches to help you understand your thoughts, your body, and your story as a whole. Our work together is collaborative and paced in a way that honors your capacity. Instead of trying to fix you, we focus on understanding what has been carried and creating the conditions where real healing can take place. Over time, many clients experience greater clarity, emotional steadiness, and a deeper sense of connection, as what once felt broken begins to feel whole again.
About Me
I’m a wife to my best friend and a mom of two amazing children. I’m a Southern girl at heart and value connection and helping people feel at ease. When I’m not working, you can usually find me with a good cup of coffee and my dog, listening to a podcast, enjoying music, or spending time outdoors. I absolutely love to travel, and I’m happiest outside soaking up some sunshine.