Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Carmody.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve been interested in getting beyond “small talk” for as long as I can remember. I’m endlessly fascinated by the mind and human behavior. Initially, I wanted to work with helping animals, but realized it made more sense for me to pursue the counseling profession; I now get to enjoy my pets outside of the office, and have done a lot of fulfilling volunteer work with animal rescues.
Before private practice, I worked in HIV/AIDS case management. I learned a lot about from a macro and micro lens about the array of problems faced in minority and marginalized groups. It was an incredible privilege to provide a non-judgmental experience for clients used to discrimination and prejudice. I am so grateful for my time with AID Atlanta.
Then my world fell apart with the diagnosis of both of my parents’ terminal cancer, back to back. I took time off to be a caregiver, then grieve, do it all over again, and then pick up the pieces of my changed life. I had complex grief, PTSD, and anxiety.
Being in therapy changed and saved my life. I know what it’s like to feel isolated in grief, hopeless from unrelenting trauma symptoms, and anxious about the future. The journey through wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t short, but I made it. I am so honored to tell others they too can make it, and that they’re not alone.
I married later in life because I made every dating mistake in the book. I know how hard it is to stop unhealthy patterns in relationships with partners, friends, and family. We are all greatly impacted by the people we surround ourselves with, in ways we recognize and others we can’t even fathom. Our partners, friends and family influence our choices, well-being, self-worth, and health; so it’s really important who we allow in our inner circles. This guides my work as a therapist today.
I’ve put in the work to thrive today, and it drives me to guide clients to a path towards a meaningful and healthy life that’s in line with their values and lifelong dreams.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’m lucky to have mentors who have shown me what’s possible. I’ve asked a lot of people a lot of questions. I took time to get my “house” in order, and was thankfully able to take it.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I provide one-on-one therapy for adults who are struggling with grief and loss, cancer, caregiving, narcissistic abuse, and self-esteem. I also really enjoy helping people facing anxiety, depression, and toxic relationships. It sounds dark to say I am passionate about these issues, but I really am. I believe I have the best job in the world, where I help clients feel less alone, discover more joy, and find a path toward the life they want to live.
In addition to those talk therapy specialties, I am certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy. ART is an eye movement therapy that provides trauma healing. It’s fascinating and incredible. I’m thrilled to be able to facilitate hope for healing from trauma, and witness the magic.
Lastly, I am fortunate to be able to facilitate support groups with Northside’s Cancer Support Community. I work with patients in active cancer treatment, women diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, and patients who are navigating life post treatment.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Talk to other professionals who are doing what you want to do. Ask them what they got right, what they did wrong, and what they would do differently. There is so much value in information interviewing. Consult with the experts. And get yourself into counseling! We don’t want to use a financial analyst whose finances are a mess; so similarly, the profession’s integrity is bolstered when we as therapists address our “stuff” and don’t carry all of it into the room.
Pricing:
- I am out-of-network which means I am not contracted with health insurance companies, but I can help client get reimbursement via their out-of-network benefits. Insurance navigation can be confusing, so I’ve got a tool on my website to help clients find out their out-of-network benefits. My counseling sessions are $195 for a 50-minute session. I also have sliding scale reduced fee slots for clients who may need a discounted rate. If those slots are full when those potential clients reach out, I’m am happy to refer them to lower cost counseling resources as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carmodycounseling.com
Image Credits
Monica Kirkland
