Laura Wozniak

Laura Wozniak (she/her)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LCSW BCD

I use a straight-forward supportive approach, building on diverse strengths to develop internal resources and strengthen relationships.

Client Status

accepting clients

Contact

503-312-6176

7409 SW Capitol Highway

Suite 201

Portland, 97219

At a Glance

Me

Rate: $75-$175

Provides telehealth services

Practicing Since: 1979

Languages: English

Services

  • Individual
  • Relationship

Insurances Accepted

  • Out of Pocket

My Ideal Client

I enjoy collaborating with other medical professionals. I can support recovery from addictions, recovery from mental illness and have a special interest in creative professionals and systems approaches. I also have a salaried position working with physicians and their families. My practice is part time and so my clients need to be able to maintain themselves safely between visits with relatively low intensity contact.

My Approach to Helping

Though originally trained in family systems with a CBT and Group orientation, I have added from Jungian, self-psychology, internal family systems, and addictions training (including eating disorders and alcohol). I am comfortable working with people who take psychiatric medication or people who have medical conditions. I appreciate collaboration with primary care providers.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I am certified in mediation, using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, and Gottman couples therapy. I enjoy doing team building with small organizations and have training in DBT/CBT/Mindfulness, PTSD, ADD and critical incident debriefing. My current practice involves handling the special challenges of stress due to the Covid 19 pandemic and social upheavals. I have many years of experience as a clinical supervisor.. I have a limited sliding fee from 50 to 150.00. I can provide a bill for submission to a PPO by the client.

Techniques I Use

Specialties

  • Relational  External link

    I work to enhance all relationships since they underpin our mental and physical health as well as our ability to learn and adapt in our relationship with our self. I welcome my clients to bring other people in their lives into the therapy setting.

  • Eclectic External link

    This style best describes my work after 35 years. I do not want to imply that I have a lack of interest in specific approaches, but it is important to adapt my approach to the personality, strengths and needs of my client. I like to begin with the simplest interventions first and progress through relational and internal dynamics as effective and welcomed by the client. My underlying belief is that human well-being is supported through a sense of internal coherence, meaning and connection.

Issues I Treat

Specialties

  • Drug Dependence / Abuse / Addiction External link

    I started my career working with addictions and codependency using the Johnson Family Institute training. I am qualified to explore diverse addiction issues- and help clients make decisions about further addictions treatment they may need to pursue or I can continue with them on an outpatient basis when weekly therapy is appropriate. I support 12 step programs, but other approaches may fit.

  • Chronic Pain or Illness External link

    I have worked for 12 years in a medical setting supporting patients who have a wide variety of chronic and acute conditions. I have worked to prepare patients for bariatric surgery, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, transplant and in supporting family members as well. I have skills and experience using guided imagery and relaxation skills which can enhance resiliency.

  • Relationship / Marriage Issues External link

    I love helping people create and maintain happy supportive relationships where they can be at their best. I work with same-gender and male-female relationships as well as parent-child, sibling and work relationships. I have training in Gottman and other approaches such as dialogue. In relationship work, I am directive and support the relationship as my client where possible. I work to enhance couple bonding and bring in some lightness where possible to defuse negative interpretations

  • Adjustment Disorder External link

    Most people present with a life issue such as career, health or divorce. This issue must be addressed respectfully starting with the clients' concerns. If longer-standing personality, mood or other serious issues are complicating resolution and well-being, trust has been established to address those as well. Many of my clients struggle with historic mood issues as well as current problems.

  • Anxiety External link

    Anxiety and Depression go together. Both can be helped with CBT/DBT/behavioral and supportive interventions. It is important to help the client make life decisions that create a healthy life as the first step and to reduce the suffering due to the symptoms through coping skills including mindfulness and a hopeful perspective. At times, medication may be helpful and I can help monitor this with the prescriber.

Contact Laura

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