why me?
We’ve all been there. “Why? Why did this happen to me?”
Just like you, I have definitely had my share of challenges and losses.
And just like you, I questioned why these things happened. I didn’t really figure it out until I became a therapist. And TBH, it was really my oldest who summed it up the best. “Mom, you’re like Jamal in Slumdog Millionaire. Everything that your clients come to you with, you have lived experience in.” If only therapy paid as well as winning a game show!
The only reason to tell you all this is to let you know that I have put both feet into your shoes (you’re a size 8, right?) so there is absolutely no judgement here for how you respond to what life has thrown you. I won’t be shocked or offended. You can’t scare me off.
So, why Me?
Once you decide to work with me, I’m on Team You and there’s nothing you can say or do that will make me think less of you. I’m like a cross between your best friend and a non-syndicate-related consigliere.
My goal is to listen to you and not only hear what you’re saying, but also hear what you’re leaving out. Okay, that’s really only one of my goals.
My overall goal is to help you get where you want to go: out of pain and onto someplace-better-than-here.
How we get there is up to you.
You drive the process. I just provide the GPS.
Sometimes we’ll take detours, but I’ll do my best to keep us always headed in the right direction. And with hope, we may even have a little fun along the way.
Fun in therapy? What?
Yup, I believe humor has a place in therapy. It’s a tool to keep us from taking ourselves too seriously. Laughter is a guaranteed way to reduce stress, and it’s a fantastic way to put things in perspective. Plus it makes us feel better. And isn’t that why you’re here? For sure it’s why I’m here. To help people feel better.
About Me
I had a life before this.
I used to be in advertising. Loved it. Until the clients started telling me what to do. So I decided to find a job where I could tell clients what to do. See, there’s that humor thing!
I don’t actually tell anyone what to do, I just help you get where you want to go – maybe even create the life you want.
Just so you know
I went to school for it and everything. I got a master’s degree in Counseling and Education with a concentration in Art Therapy from the University of Louisville. With honors even.
Before that, well, way before that, I got my Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from Art Center College of Design.
Now I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and Board Certified, Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC).
Lots of good letters I can put after my name. Looks very official on a business card. Which I’d be happy to give you, once you jump in and click the button below.
What it feels like to work with me
Working with Laura completely changed my life. I came to her a broken shell of a human and by the end of our time together I left with a sense of self for the first time. Laura used a multitude of techniques to breach a lengthy trauma history. Her art therapy skills were especially helpful as I learned to express my feelings at the beginning of my journey. Laura provided a safe space where all feelings and thoughts were met with compassion and empathy.
She quickly became a safe person to confide in and left me feeling heard and validated. Laura maintained professionalism while bringing her vibrant personality to the room. Her wisdom, humor, caring, kindness, and realness kept me wanting to continue working on myself to become the best version of me.
I will never be able to put into words how appreciative I am to have worked with Laura. The level of expertise she has in the field is refreshing and beneficial to anyone ready to do the work. I would highly recommend Laura to anyone looking to find their fullest potential in life by working through their inner turmoil that has been a roadblock thus far. My work with Laura is something I carry with me every day and will continue to bring those skills, lessons, and values with me throughout my life.
– Steffanie E.
Laura is amazing – she allows me to bounce around from various topics during sessions. She provides great tools and “homework” to help you continue to do the work between therapy. You will look forward to therapy appointments with her!
– Katie C.
It doesn’t matter if your problem is big or small, all in your head or real, scary, sad, weird, or abnormal – Laura can help. She has helped me realize even the small problems are big to me but can be overcome. All problems are real and yes generally in our head. And, I’m normal with my problems, insecurities, and fear. I don’t trust others very easily, but I trust Laura with my heart and soul open. Laura’s personality, deep knowledge, and caring soul brings it all together to help whomever walks in to her office.
– Anne B.
We have had a wonderful experience with Laura Martin – the kind of couples therapist who strikes a rare balance: she offers steady, compassionate support while also calling you out when you’re off-track. Her honesty is her commitment to helping you grow past your blind spots and show up better for your partner. With Laura, you feel safe enough to be vulnerable and accountable enough to make real, meaningful change.
– Meghan F.
Create the life you want.