Laura Auldridge

Qualifications & Experience

I have been in the mental health field for 18 years. I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Kansas State University and a Master of Arts degree in Biblical Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary.

I am trained in Levels 1, 2, and 3 of the Gottman Method from Dallas Theological Seminary. I am EMDRIA-trained in EMDR and also have advanced training in EMDR for Play Therapy. I am certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) from Austin’s Children’s Advocacy Center and am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). I am also certified in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) through NOCD, which treats OCD, Tourette Syndrome, Tic Disorder, and other anxiety disorders.

My Call to Christian Counseling

I experienced a significant trauma when I was fourteen. As I got older, I felt a calling to be there in some capacity for individuals who had similar negative experiences. I was unsure what that would look like until my senior year of high school. After taking a psychology class that discussed career opportunities in counseling, I knew this was what God was calling me toward and never looked back. I taught for three years while saving up money for graduate school. This helped further my desire to be a counselor, as I was drawn to offering more one-on-one help to those seeking support.

More About Me/On a Personal Note

I spend most of my free time hanging out with my two boys, who are seven and nine, and attend their sporting events. A fun fact about our family is we all have dirt bikes and we do motocross weekly. We love traveling to different dirt bike tracks and strengthening our skill in riding. My oldest son, who has high-functioning autism, prefers four wheelers while my husband, myself, and my youngest have motorized dirt bikes. I also have a love for plants and gardening and am frequently seen walking the aisles at garden centers.

Areas of Expertise/Specialties

• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Autism
• Bipolar Disorder
• Chemical Dependency
• Counseling for Children
• Counseling for Teens
• Couples Counseling
• Codependency
• Depression
• Eating Disorders
• EMDR
• Family Counseling
• Individual Counseling
• Marriage Counseling
• Men’s Issues
• OCD
• Online Counseling
• Personal Development
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Premarital Counseling
• Psychiatric Care Services
• Relationship Issues
• Sex and Porn Addiction
• Sexual Abuse
• Spiritual Development
• Trauma
• Women’s Issues

Trauma

I can help you work through trauma by utilizing my certification in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and training in EMDR to help facilitate densensitization from past experiences. We typically work through traumas that are easier to talk about prior to the traumas that may really have a hold on you and be difficult to discuss. By doing this, it helps train your brain to understand its ability to heal and helps build confidence in your ability to cope regarding these experiences.

OCD

I can help you work through OCD, Tic Disorders, Tourette Syndrome, and numerous other anxiety disorders by utilizing my certification in Exposure and Response Prevention, also known as ERP. The purpose of ERP is to help you learn to sit with your obsessive/ruminating thinking patterns and avoid doing the behaviors your brain is telling you to do. We would walk through this systematic approach together and I would never push you harder than you can handle.

Teen Counseling

I love working with teens, as I remember being that age and wishing I had the support of a counselor during that time period. It can be an intense and confusing age where you’re no longer a kid but not quite an adult, and that’s where I like to step in. We can figure out your hopes, goals, areas of pain, and what your relationship with God (or lack thereof) may look like, and we game plan how to take steps toward becoming the person you have always hoped to be.

Addiction Counseling

I have worked with individuals struggling with addiction for over fifteen years. I know it can be scary realizing as well as admitting that there may be substance use in your life or a loved one’s life, but it’s actually more common than you may think. I will work with you to come up with a plan of care that you completely agree with, no matter how big or small the commitment may be. This comes with safety coming first. If there’s a need to get you connected with detox treatment, I can help assist you along the way.

Couples Counseling

I am trained in levels 1-3 of the Gottman Method, which is one of the primary modalities for couples counseling. I am also a trained facilitator of ReEngage, which is a faith-based couples counseling modality. We will walk through the goals you and your partner have, past hurts, effective communication, forgiveness, and much more so that you and your partner can lead as a healthy and healed example of what God intended for the gift or marriage.

Availability (by office location):

• Allen – Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays
• McKinney West – Mondays and Tuesdays

Fees: I offer a Risk-Free Initial Session for individuals and couples looking to pursue counseling with me. Please note that there is a fee for the Risk-Free Initial Session as it is a clinical hour and reimbursable to most insurance companies, but if you choose not to reschedule and continue therapy after the initial session, the entire fee for the session will be waived. For ongoing treatment, the full fee per session is required at the time of service.

Insurance: As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), most insurance companies will reimburse for a portion of my services (as an Out-of-Network Provider). Please consult with your insurance provider as to whether they specifically cover adolescents, individuals, and couples.

Receipts/Statements: In the event you require a printed or digital receipt, I will provide receipts for personal use, insurance reimbursement, Flex Spending Accounts (FSA), and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).

Payment options: Cash, Check, or Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & American Express). A fee of up to 4% per transaction may be added for credit card payments.