A Little About Me
Hi! I'm Lauren Flynn.
At Radiance Counseling, I believe in the power of connection, and growth. A little about me: I’m a coffee lover and happiest with some furry-friend cuddles. But beyond that, I'm a learner— always eager to dive into new experiences and learn about individuals. I’m curious about YOU and how to engage and explore the most authentic parts of each individual.
Sitting across from you in the therapy room is an absolute honor. It's a space where you can be deeply honest, unravel the complexities of life, and feel seen/heard. Therapy isn't just about tackling challenges; it's about celebrating victories, finding light in the darkness, and discovering the radiance within ourselves.
Education & Training
I attended the University of Northern Iowa, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree with a major in psychology. After graduating in 2013, I completed a year of service through a Volunteer Corp where I had the privilege of working closely with unhoused populations. This experience ignited a sense of purpose and deepened my commitment to working with people, learning their story, and partnering with them for success.
Driven by my desire to effect systemic change and overall wellness, I pursued dual Master’s degrees in Public Health and Social Work at the University of Illinois Chicago, graduating in 2017. Through this interdisciplinary approach, I gained a comprehensive understanding of the complex factors influencing individual and community well-being, further shaping my approach to therapy as a holistic endeavor.
My social work journey began with pediatric inpatient and intensive outpatient programs within a hospital setting. I then earned my LCSW in Colorado, and spent a few years focused on providing support to those with executive functioning impairments and persistent mental health challenges. Through individual and parent coaching, I had the opportunity to provide tailored support aimed at enhancing coping skills and fostering resilience.
My focus has shifted to individual psychotherapy, as an LISW, where I have had the privilege of witnessing the profound power of therapeutic connection. Each session is an opportunity to explore insights, facilitate personal growth, and uncover the inherent strengths within each individual.
What To Expect
My goal as a therapist is for you to:
FEEL: warmth, presence, and validation; safe and strong.
BUILD: on existing resilience, a more clarified and empowered “self”, connection and perspective.
BE: challenged, affirmed, and curious about yourself.
Remember, problems may not always get easier, BUT you have the power to get stronger. And I'm here to provide you with evidence-based interventions, fresh perspectives, and gentle nudges to challenge beliefs that no longer serve you.
STRENGTHS BASED | CLIENT-CENTERED | TRAUMA-INFORMED | CULTURALLY SENSITIVE | COLLABORATIVE | HOLISTIC
I draw from a blend of evidence-based interventions and tailor them to your personal needs*. The primary theoretical frameworks/interventions I use are:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: ACT is a mindfulness-based approach that focuses on accepting difficult thoughts and feelings, clarifying personal values, and taking committed action towards a meaningful life.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: CBT is a goal-oriented, present-focused therapy that helps you identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, leading to improvements in mood and functioning.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy: DBT combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices, emphasizing skills to manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and increase distress tolerance.
Motivational Interviewing: Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, client-centered approach that explores ambivalence about change, enhances intrinsic motivation, and empowers you to make positive behavioral changes.
I also integrate additional modalities such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Art Therapy, Family Systems, and Feminist Therapy. This eclectic blend allows us to explore a wide range of avenues for transformation, ensuring that our work together is both dynamic and effective.
*Clients are not only welcome but encouraged to ask me about the interventions I am using and why. Transparency and collaboration are key to our therapeutic journey, and I'm here to provide you with the information and support you need to make informed decisions about your healing process.