LAURA KATHRYN “LK” STRADER, MA, AMFT

(she/her, THEY/them)

Languages: English

* Welcome *

Our lives are full of relationships and we have an innate human desire to experience intimacy and connection. We can gain so much from intimate connections; intimacy can make us feel fully alive, energized & liberated. Yet, we can often struggle to overcome hurdles along our path to deep meaningful connection with others. We all have the capacity for intimacy and I’d love to help you discover and overcome what is standing in your way.

* My Focus *

I specialize in working with trauma, anxiety, relationships, sexuality and gender. My passion lies in helping folks tap into intimacy in their lives and all of their relationships. This is work I enjoy doing with both individuals and those in relationships together. I am deeply passionate about working with queer-identified folks and those in non-monogamous and/or kink-aligned relationships.

* My Approach *

I provide a person centered, trauma informed approach to therapy. I value continually checking in and ensuring my clients feel satisfied and supported in our work together. I pull from many other theoretical orientations to inform my work to best support and resource my clients individually: internal family systems, psychodynamic, mindfulness, DBT, emotion-focused therapy and narrative therapy.

* My Philosophy on Therapy *

I believe that we are all deeply influenced and impacted by the systems within which we reside. I do all of my work through an intersectional lens. I also operate from the perspective that you, and you alone, are the expert on your own life. Hence my belief that self-exploration and examination of the systems of which you interact with provide ample insight into how I can best support you.

* Credentials & EXPERIENCE *

• AMFT in Illinois

• MA in Counseling Psychology

Before my work at PA, I worked in San Francisco public schools providing therapy for students struggling with mental health issues and young people exploring their sexuality and gender and identity. This included family therapy for some of those students. I have experience counseling couples and those in other relationship dynamics as well. Most recently, I counseled adults with a variety of mental health concerns via a telehealth therapy platform.

* More About Me *

I am a queer, poly, kink affirming feminist from Kentucky. I enjoy live music, taxidermy and entomology. Outside of work, I’m typically playing video games, taking long walks, hanging with my dog, camping (also casual picnicking at the park) or trying a new restaurant in pursuit of the perfect french fry.