Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Hollis.
Lauren, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My first career was as a child life specialist for 10 years working with children and families going through hospitalizations, acute and chronic medical issues, trauma and grief. During my time as a child life specialist, I recognized a gap in counseling support for these patients and families. I had always had a passion for wanting to help children and families through challenging times in their life. Therefore, I went back to school and got my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. During my internship I worked at a local children’s advocacy center where I worked with children and families that experienced abuse and trauma. It was very fulfilling and rewarding work. I began in private practice after my internship where I could work with a broader range of people and provide different services. I currently work with children, adolescents, individuals and couples who struggle with trauma, grief, medical issues, anxiety, depression, transitions in life and coping. I am also a supervisor for Licensed Professional Counselor- Associates and enjoy being able to help temporary licensed counselors on their journey to being fully licensed and be the best counselor that they can be.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There are always challenges along any journey. Working as a child life specialist came with high expectations from other medical professionals in the field and required significant self -care skills and coping skills to be able to handle the challenging and sometimes devastating patient situations that I saw daily. When I went back to school to get my masters degree I was also still working as a child life specialist. That was challenging to manage schedules and maintain a healthy lifestyle and relationship with my husband. One significant challenge was when I started my private practice. Six months after I started Covid happened and shut everything down. It was hard trying to build my practice and offer services during this time. Each challenge along the ways has taught me something and made me a stronger person.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I work with a variety of people and truly enjoy getting to know each person and what makes them unique. I tailor my treatment plan for each person to meet them where they are at and make it unique to them. I understand how hard it can be to trust a counselor with the hardest challenges in your life and feel so thankful that my clients trust me to share those things with me. I am certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy and am also a Registered Play Therapist. I also have many other trainings including Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Sand tray. I am proud to get to do a job that I love and look forward to each day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.laurenhollis.com
