Hidden Gems: Meet Laurel Roberts-Meese of Laurel Therapy Collective

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laurel Roberts-Meese.

Hi Laurel, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I always knew I wanted to be a therapist. Starting around age 12, I wanted to help people transform their pain and struggles into resilience and understanding. Helping people shape their stories is so powerful. I did briefly consider a career as a classical singer, but at the end of the day I prefer the intimacy of one-on-one conversation over stage lights. I majored in Psychology in college and went to graduate school shortly thereafter. I had quite a breadth of experience during my clinical training. I worked in several middle schools, volunteered with a few organizations that serve survivors of sexual assault, worked in a low-income family therapy clinic, a teen clinic, and in an HIV resource center. I’ve been privy to some of humanity’s greatest pain and greatest triumph. I’ve worked with people who had nothing and people who have so much privilege. I completed my clinical training in San Francisco and obtained my license, opening an office in the Fillmore District. After COVID whisked everything online, I was finally able to relocate to Los Angeles to be with my longtime partner. After a few years, I realized I could have a greater impact if I hired more therapists to join my practice. I did so, and today we’re a boutique practice that can serve a broad number of issues with true expertise. We’ve got a top-notch couples therapist, a trauma therapist, and therapists who specialize in teens and young adults. I’m honored to lead my team and feel good about the impact we’re making.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No road worth taking is smooth. Covid definitely posed challenges. Though I’d done a few phone sessions during my clinical training, I’d honestly never done a video therapy session until March 2020. I didn’t think I’d like it, and it was initially difficult. But once I realized that it was just as effective and more convenient than in-person therapy, I was all in.

The other challenge I’ve faced is my own anxiety and uncertainty. The day I opened my solo practice, I was so worried I wouldn’t be able to make it. Would clients want to work with me without the support of my training agency? Would they stay? Would I be able to pay my bills? But within a year I was having to turn people away because I was too full. That was another reason I decided to invite more therapists into my practice: I really didn’t want to turn people away!

As you know, we’re big fans of Laurel Therapy Collective. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We’re a boutique therapy practice specializing in working with high-achieving adults, couples, and teens. We use the convenience of virtual therapy to maximize people’s investment in the process. We treat many issues and populations, including anxiety, trauma, couples issues, LGBT issues, EMDR, and teens. We use a combination of evidence-based practices and a holistic approach to tailor care to the individual. If therapy was a plug-and-play service, we’d just create an app and retire.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
The relationship between you and your therapist is SO important. Research suggests that 80% of therapy’s effectiveness is derived from the therapeutic relationship. That means if you don’t feel good about your therapist, it’s not likely to work. If you’ve got a weird gut feeling or feel like you just don’t click, find a new therapist.

Pricing:

• Therapy with a licensed provider: $210/week
• Therapy with a prelicensed provider: $165/week
• Therapy with Laurel, practice owner: $250/wk
• EMDR or couples therapy: Ranges from $165-210/wk

Contact Info:

• Website: laureltherapy.net
• Instagram: laureltherapycollective
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laureltherapycollective
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurel-therapy
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzmtQve6GOsJt2z9XZ02nZA

Image Credits
@theotakesphotos, Caroline Tawney