1521 SE Piperberry Way, Ste. 101
Port Orchard, WA 98366
(360) 876-5483 office, (360) 710-6158 cell
LLauboroughLICSW@JourneyofLife.net I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in the State of Washington (license #LW00005071). I hold a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Washington School of Social Work, granted in 1987. I have been a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) in good standing since 1987. I am also a Certified Clinical Social Worker in Gerontology (CSW-G), grief and loss counselor, consultant and public speaker.
Counselors practicing counseling for a fee in the State of Washington must be registered or licensed with the Department of Health for the protection of the public health and safety. Registration of an individual with the department does not include a recognition of any practice standards, nor necessarily implies the effectiveness of any treatment.
Counselor Credentialing Act
The purpose of the law regulating counselors is (a) to provide protection for public health and safety; and (b) to empower the citizens of the State of Washington by providing a complaint process against those counselors who would commit acts of unprofessional conduct.
My Background and Experience
As a graduate student in the School of Social Work, I studied in the Human Services track, specializing in the fields of Aging and Health Care.
I have been practicing as a clinical social worker for over 20 years. My positions included Geriatric Mental Health Specialist, Hospice/Medical Social Worker, Bereavement Counselor, Social Worker/Enrollment Coordinator in an adult day health program (working with adults of all ages living with physical, cognitive, and developmental disabilities), Nursing Home Social Services Director, and Case Manager. As a psychotherapist, I have provided individual, couple, and family counseling; facilitated numerous therapy and support groups; and consulted as a Geriatric Mental Health Specialist and a Grief & Loss Specialist to nursing facilities, retirement homes, and with other professionals in mental health and health care.
In addition to my professional experience, I have had several years of experience as a family caregiver and have experienced many personal losses in my life, which contribute to my ability to be empathetic and helpful to my clients.
Counseling Approach
I work with individuals, families, couples, and groups. I have had extensive education and experience working in the areas of aging and caregiver issues, grief and loss, coping with physical and/or cognitive disabilities, relationship issues, depression, and anxiety. My practice is limited primarily to adults of all ages; especially older adults and persons with physical, cognitive, and developmental disabilities. With my client's authorization and upon his or her request, I will work in concert with medical professionals, other therapists, or other care providers to meet his or her needs.
I use a holistic approach in therapy to assist in integrating the emotional, social, physical, spiritual, medical, and developmental needs of the individual. I use Systems Theory which takes into consideration the influences on individuals of their family, the broader community, and environment. My therapeutic style varies depending on the needs of each individual client in either brief or long-term therapy. I may utilize solution-based, validation, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, Gestalt, psychodynamic, imagery and interactive techniques as needed. I may also suggest the use of homework assignments to continue the work outside the therapy sessions.
It is important that my clients feel comfortable with me and/or my methods. You have the right to choose a counselor whose treatment modalities best suit your purposes. You have the right to refuse treatment and/or to ask for a referral to a different therapist.