A therapist visually identifiable as a white woman with blonde hair, glasses, white casual blouse and nice jeans sits in a nature setting, looking at the camera with a welcoming expression

Lauren Vanchina, LICSW

Therapist and Practice Owner

Well howdy! I’m Lauren. I work with children (ages 3-12), teens, couples, and adults on navigating stress, trauma, ADHD, anxiety, depression, panic, attachment disruptions, and life transitions.

While I’m trained in several therapeutic modalities (listed below), the heart of my practice is creative, empathetic, and effective problem-solving. Together, we’ll identify your unique strengths and use them as a foundation for meaningful change. When you're processing difficult experiences or sitting with tough emotions, I offer empathy, understanding, and compassionate accountability to help you move toward your goals.

Why do I do this work? I’m a self-proclaimed "nerd" about human relationships—starting with each individual’s connection to their authentic self and expanding to the rich web of relationships that make up families, partnerships, and communities. I’m deeply inspired by the transformation that can happen in therapy: with the right support, clients learn to set healthy boundaries and deepen connection with themselves and with significant people in their lives.

I’m striving to uphold an anti-racist, LGBTQ+ affirming, and culturally responsive space in which clients feel seen and respected. I keep open lines of communication with clients about creating a safe relational space.

Outside of work, I love knitting ridiculously simple projects, spending time with friends and family outdoors, camping, swimming, kayaking, gardening, and letting my very large dog pull me uphill on long, muddy hikes.

Education

BA Psychology, University of Iowa

Masters in Social Work, University of Minnesota

Training

Emotion Focused Couple Therapy, Gottman Couples Therapy (Level 1), Developmental Repair, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Relational Psychotherapy, Systemic Family Therapy, Structural Family Therapy, Integrated Attachment Family Therapy, Theraplay (Foundational Theraplay Practitioner Certification), Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy, Child Centered Play Therapy.

I am working toward certification as a Registered Play Therapist.