About

Lauren Daniels

"Being a therapist is a value-aligned career for me, allowing me to support and empower my fellow community members."

Why I became a therapist

I have always been deeply curious about what shapes human identity and behavior and the way we construct stories to help make sense of our lives. Over time, I realized that people too often feel like they have to hide parts of their stories, parts of themselves, out of fear of judgment or simply not having the right space to be heard. Your experiences and identity matter. I became a therapist to provide a space where individuals can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with curiosity and self-compassion. Therapy offers an opportunity to connect with your values, build meaningful skills, and cultivate relationships - especially the one you have with yourself. In the therapeutic process, you can deepen self-understanding, normalize emotions, and develop ways to soften the edges of the most intense ones, all within a supportive and objective space.

Who I work with

I have experience working with a wide range of conditions, with my current focus primarily on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), phobias, ADHD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and trauma. People are far more than a diagnosis, and I also enjoy working with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity exploration, relationship and parenting challenges, grief and loss, and the complexities of chronic illness and pain. My practice is open to adults of all backgrounds, and I fully affirm and support the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as those in non-monogamous, polyamorous, and kink-based relationships. If you're wondering whether we’d be a good fit but don’t see yourself fully represented here, I welcome you to reach out for a consultation so we can explore that together.

"I am an intersectional practitioner and offer a culturally humble and affirming space to individuals holding a variety of identities."

Working With Me

My approach is both intersectional and relational, meaning I consider how societal factors shape mental wellness and how attachment styles influence relationships. I work to help clients better understand themselves, advocate for their needs, and cultivate self-compassion. Compassion-focused therapy is the foundation of my work and how I build the therapeutic alliance, creating a space where clients feel seen, valued, and supported. From there, I tailor therapy to each individual’s needs and goals. I often integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). As a body-based practitioner, I also incorporate movement and mindfulness to help clients connect with their emotions and sensations in the present moment. Ultimately, my hope is that clients leave therapy with a deepened sense of self-worth, a clearer understanding of their needs, and more fulfilling relationships both with themselves and others.

My Qualifications and trainings

  • I received my Bachelor of Science in Health Communication from Ohio University;
  • I have a Master of Social work from the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC);
  • I completed Pregnancy Options training through All-Options Pregnancy Resource Center;
  • I am trained in Mindful Self-Compassion through the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC);
  • I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR);
  • I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the North Carolina Social Work Certification and Licensure Board (NCSWCLB);
  • I am a Member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

Ready to overcome the barriers holding you back?