Laura Canepa

Approach

Laura believes strongly in the power of healthy relationships to heal past wounds and to promote change, and strives to create this space for the people she serves. Laura approaches working with individuals from the belief that each person has inherent value and is the expert on their own life. She starts by learning your story and what matters most to you, knowing that these are the foundations of a person’s values and motivations. Laura is committed to a partnership approach to therapy; together exploring a person’s hopes, worries, and goals and developing a plan for how to move in the direction of growth. She believes in every person’s ability to gain insight and grow.

Laura employs a variety of therapeutic methods in her work, taking an integrative approach by combining aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness modalities. Laura prioritizes the unique needs, abilities, and goals of her patients to develop a person-centered treatment approach. Her work is centered on trauma-informed care principles.

Training & Background

Laura has been working in social services since graduating from the University of Washington in 2005. In 2008, she graduated with her Master’s of Social Welfare (MSW) from UCLA. Her first professional social work job was working on a geriatric inpatient medical-psychiatric unit. This sparked her interest in behavioral health, and especially, the interface between one’s mental and physical health.

Laura obtained her clinical license (LCSW) in Oregon in 2011. Her professional career has been spent in healthcare with a focus on caring for people with complex mental health and/or physical health needs. She worked for many years as a palliative care provider, supporting and advocating for those facing serious illness as they explored issues of purpose and meaning at the end of their life. Laura’s years of experience in healthcare have resulted in an understanding of how chronic and serious health conditions impact a person’s well-being and quality of life.

Laura has an interest in clinical ethics and has obtained significant training in this realm as a longstanding member of an area ethics committee. Laura has held clinical leadership roles and supervised many master’s level social workers as they work toward licensure. Laura is a consummate learner who is always seeking to expand her clinical knowledge to better serve her Patients.