Lauren Petka, LPC

In person & virtual availability

Sometimes you can understand why you feel a certain way and still feel stuck in it. You might know you don’t need to apologize, yet feel guilty when you don’t. Or recognize that something wasn’t your fault and still carry the feeling that it was. We’ll give those places time and attention, with compassion for how difficult it can be to feel something different from what you know.

Alongside conversation, I incorporate EMDR and approaches that help us notice and work with emotions and sensations in the body. I’ll explain what we’re doing and why, and we’ll talk about what feels helpful to you. Some days, we may spend time with an experience that still hurts. Other days, you may need support with a difficult conversation or room to untangle everything that happened that week. There’s space for all of it.

I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, painful relationship experiences, trauma, grief, and life transitions. You don’t need to have a name for what you’re going through. Feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or simply aware that something needs to change is enough of a place to start.

My hope is that, over time, you feel more comfortable being yourself—more able to trust your feelings, speak up for what you need, and feel close to others without losing yourself. My goal isn’t just to help you cope—it’s to help you actually feel different.

If you’d like to connect, I offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation. We can talk about what’s bringing you here, what you’re hoping for, and any questions you have. You don’t need to prepare anything or know exactly what to say. We can start wherever you are.