About Me | HARBOR LIGHT COUNSELING AND WELLNESS

Hi, I’m Lauren.

Born and raised right here in Door County, I grew up surrounded by the very values that guide the social work profession—service, the inherent dignity and worth of every person, social justice, and the belief that we are responsible for one another. These principles shaped not only my career, but the way I move through the world. For nearly two decades, I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals and families in our community through seasons of change, loss, growth, and healing.

Clients often describe me as calm, professional, attentive, and genuinely invested in their wellbeing. I see therapy as a place where you don’t have to carry things alone—a place to feel understood, supported, and empowered to move toward the life you want. Whether we meet in person at my office in Sturgeon Bay or connect online from elsewhere in Wisconsin, my intention is to offer a grounded, compassionate space where you can feel safe, seen, and supported.

My style is warm, non-judgmental, and deeply collaborative. I listen closely, honor your lived experience, and work with you to create a space where you can show up exactly as you are—without pressure to perform or be anything other than yourself. I approach this work with steadiness and a core belief that healing happens in relationship. In fact, I view therapy as a two-way learning process; I often learn just as much from my clients as they do from me.

Start Your Healing Journey

Why I Do This Work

I became a therapist because I believe healing happens in relationship — in the presence of someone who sees you clearly, honors your story, and walks alongside you without judgment.

Over the years, I’ve witnessed how powerful it can be when people finally feel safe enough to slow down, explore their inner world, and reconnect with themselves. My goal is to offer that kind of space for you: steady, compassionate, and attuned to your needs. Because when you choose to heal yourself, you are ultimately bringing a healthier, more grounded presence to the world around you.

Beyond the Therapy Room

When I’m not working, I am embracing my roles as a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. I love living in Door County, where my family and I spend as much time outdoors as possible, enjoying everything all four seasons have to offer. On any given day, you can find me watching one of my children's sporting events, buried in a good book, taking my yellow lab on a walk, running, or simply finding small moments of quiet in a busy world—whether that’s watching a sunrise over the water or enjoying a morning cup of coffee on the patio.

My Approach to Therapy

My work is rooted in trauma‑informed, evidence‑based care. I draw from approaches that support both emotional insight and practical change, including:

Mindfulness‑based practices
Somatic awareness
Trauma-Informed cognitive and behavioral strategies
Attachment‑focused work
Strengths‑based and collaborative exploration

Together, we move at a pace that feels right for you — never rushed, never pressured.

My Background

Over the years, I have had the privilege of supporting clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, identity exploration, life transitions, and the everyday challenges of being human. My career has been defined by meeting people exactly where they are—often during life's most vulnerable and pivotal moments.

My journey in healthcare and mental health includes almost 2 decades of dedicated service right here in our community:

Unity Hospice (2007–2014): As a hospice social worker, I walked alongside individuals and families facing end-of-life journeys, cultivating a deep understanding of grief, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Door County Medical Center (2014–2020): Serving as a medical social worker, I helped patients and families navigate complex medical crises, chronic illness, and major life transitions.
Senior Life Solutions (2020–2023): I stepped fully into my clinical journey as a therapist, providing intensive group and individual therapy tailored specifically for older adults.
Door County Medical Center Behavioral Health (2023–2026): I returned to DCMC as an Outpatient Therapist, providing dedicated mental health counseling, and later stepped into leadership as the Behavioral Health Manager, overseeing clinical care and advocacy.

Today, I have channeled this diverse clinical experience into starting my private practice, where I can offer a highly personalized, unhurried space for your healing journey.

Credentials & Education

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) – State of Wisconsin
Master of Social Work (MSW) --- UW-Green Bay

Reach Out for Support Today

Take the first step toward healing with Harbor Light Counseling and Wellness. Call, text, or email now for compassionate support tailored to your needs.

EMAIL ME