Pause with Laura

IFS Consultation, Groups, Workshops
I entered the clinical field of psychotherapy from a background in experiential education and adventure therapy in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. After receiving my MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from Syracuse University, New York, in 1999, I worked as a therapist and advocate for survivors of sexual trauma for four years at the Syracuse Rape Crisis Center. I restored from this demanding work by competing internationally as a professional road cyclist alongside Olympians on the World Cup Circuit–one of the most invigorating experiences of my life. The two jobs complemented each other remarkably well. Work hard and restore hard was my motto!

In 2003, I moved to Spokane from Syracuse, NY, with my spouse, who is a philosophy professor at Gonzaga University. (Go Zags!) While building my private practice, I consulted with the GU Administration on developing their sexual assault response policy and taught a senior seminar to GU Psychology majors for several years, introducing them to the field of family systems therapy.

IFS unexpectedly discovered me in 2008 (a story I hope you will hear sometime!). My IFS foundation fwas built working individually with Dick for a year. After years of intensive training, supervision and clinical practice, I became a Certified IFS Therapist in 2010 and Approved Consultant for Certification a few years later. I have maintained regular therapy and supervision with two IFS Lead Trainers for thirteen years

I’m passionate about teaching IFS and supporting clinicians doing their own work so they can be more Self led, effective and energized.  I lead IFS consultation and process groups for IFS professionals around the world, assist at IFS Trainings and lead IFS workshops.

My experience suffering a life-changing traumatic brain injury in 2010 and being diagnosed with an incurable joint disease (Rheumatoid Arthritis) in 2014 transformed my outlook on life, relationship with myself and others. IFS and Mindful Self Compassion practices helped carry me through some of the most challenging and isolated years of my life. The healing power of these frameworks makes me more passionate than ever about teaching these life-giving (and life-saving!) practices with others.

When I’m not immersed in IFS, I’m restoring outside in a variety of activities year round with my partner in life since 1994  All of the photos I use are taken by us! Thanks for reading and I look forward to interacting with you soon!

My Credentials:

  • Consultant, Supervisor, Group & Workshop Facilitator
  • PESI Seminar Speaker
  • Speaking Engagements
  • IFS Institute Approved Consultant for Certification
  • AAMFT Approved Supervisor
  • Certified IFS Therapist since 2010
  • Program Assistant for the IFS Institute
  • IFIO (IFS couples therapy) trained. Basic and Advanced.
  • WA State Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) since 2004
  • Individual, Couple, Family and Group Psychotherapist since 1998
Curriculum Vitae