
Laura Swanson, MSW, ASW
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
License: Associate Clinical Social Worker License # 104332
Email: lswanson@tulatherapy.org
Education: Master of Social Work, Chico State
Expertise: Identity formation, Emotional Health, LQBTQIA+ specific issues, Perinatal Mental Health
Currently Working With: Adults (ages 18+)
Supervisor: Emma Todd, MSW, LCSW & Maia Illa, MSW, LCSW, PPS
Treatment Areas:
Modalities & Approaches Include:
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Anxiety, Panic & Stress Disorders
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Communication Issues
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Depression & Mood Disorders
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Family of Origin/ Family of Choice Issues
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Gender & Sexuality
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Grief & Loss
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Identity Formation
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Life Transitions
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Perinatal/ Postpartum Mood Disruption
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Trauma, Abuse, DV, IPV, PTSD
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Relationship Concerns
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Sleep Issues
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Unique issues arising from identifying as LGBTQIA+ in our society
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Body-Mind-Spirit Integration
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Compassion-Focused Therapy
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Cultural Relational Theory Methods
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Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
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Expressive Arts Therapy
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Harm Reduction
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Intersectional & Holistic Approach
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Mindfulness & Meditation
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Motivational Interviewing (MI)
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Narrative Therapy
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Non-violent Communication
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Self-Care Skill Building
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Social Justice Focused
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Strengths-Based & Person-Centered Approach
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Polyvagal Theory Methods
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Psychoeducation
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Relapse Prevention
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Trauma-Responsive Approach
My Story
It can be incredibly daunting to start therapy – my hope is to make that process as comfortable, safe, and welcoming as possible. The fact that you are taking the brave (and often overwhelming) step of looking for a therapist is something to be proud of.
I am honored to work with children and adults of all ages who are experiencing a variety of challenges such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, behavioral difficulties, grief/loss, and more. I also specialize in supporting individuals and families who are struggling with perinatal and/or postpartum mental health, infertility, and other reproductive challenges. With a background as a doula and as the owner of a perinatal care collective, I bring my expertise, understanding, and compassion to the clients that I have the pleasure of working with.
I work collaboratively with clients to identify their specific challenges as well as their goals, dreams, hopes, and strengths. I strongly believe that the client and therapist are equals – I cultivate a therapeutic space in which the client feels empowered and safe. Within my practice, I utilize an eclectic treatment approach, which allows me to tailor my style specifically to each unique person that I work with. Depending on the client’s needs, I may utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Child-Focused Play Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Nature-Focused Therapy, and more! My goal, as well as the goal of each of these treatment orientations, is to help clients feel more free, whole, safe, comfortable, and fulfilled.
I am passionate about making therapy accessible, equitable, inclusive, and anti-oppressive. I create a therapeutic space in which clients feel free to express themselves exactly as they are.