

I am deeply committed to helping individuals discover meaning and purpose in their lives. With more than four decades of experience as a counselor, I specialize in guiding clients through recovery from addictions, anxiety disorders, and PTSD.
As an Associate Professor in the Online Department of Community Care and Counseling within the School of Behavioral Sciences at Liberty University, I facilitate courses designed to help students and clients rediscover their zest for life and cultivate lasting emotional well-being.
In my private practice, I work extensively with couples, equipping them with practical tools and proven techniques to restore joy, strengthen relational intimacy, and build fulfilling, resilient relationships.
I live in Lynchburg, Virginia, where I remain actively engaged in my community. My areas of specialization include trauma and complex trauma, anxiety, depression, child abuse recovery, and relational intimacy. I am also the author of Joy on the Same Page (2023), which outlines my Relational Intimacy approach.
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I am a counselor that will meet you where you are and challenge you to get to where you want to be, by being warm, understanding, and compassionate. I view trauma as a whole body experience and work with you at your pace. I have more than 10 years of experience working with those who have experienced trauma both as an advocate and therapist.
I’m Lauren Holder, M.S., P.L.P.C., and I’m honored to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing and growth. I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Missouri State University and have been practicing for over four years, helping individuals navigate the complexities of life with compassion.
I have over 15 years of experience as a therapist after receiving a Master's Degree at the University of Missouri. In 2011, I went through extensive training to become EMDR certified. I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as addiction counseling. In March of 2025 I became certified in grief counseling.
I am passionate about guiding my clients toward their goals with warmth and non-judgement. I use a variety of therapeutic approaches tailored to each individual and strive to strike a balance between helping someone understand the "why" and the "how" throughout therapy. Asking why did I come to be here; what have I been doing that isn't working anymore and how can I go about change? Pain, whether relational or within work-life can be an invitation to make the changes necessary to grow. I believe that growth toward a successful and healthy future is possible with deeper understanding of one's past and taking steps toward change.
I have interests and experience in serving adult clients who have experienced a trauma in the past, relational loss, anxiety/depression, abuse, career challenges and addiction. My training in EMDR and Internal Family Systems have helped me as I come alongside those who have experienced various types of trauma. I have been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which offers practical tools for change.
If you are looking for a warm therapist who will gently challenge you to take a look at your situation through fresh eyes, I can help. Everyone experiences pain in life. Sometimes all we need is for someone to walk alongside us for a season.
My mission is to create more safety for all through creativity and collective liberation. I know from personal and professional experience that healing from trauma is a challenging journey and I am glad you're here to take these first steps. As a counseling psychologist my focus is on trauma healing, creative arts therapies, and cultural identity. I serve creative people, gifted & neurodivergent people, and LGBTQIA+ persons.
With over 20 years of experience in the field of mental health, I am dedicated to supporting professionals in the helping profession as they navigate the complexities of their careers. My background includes 13 years of counseling and 17 years in outpatient community mental health, working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. With a Bachelor of Arts in Social Psychology from Park College and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Webster University, I am equipped with the academic foundation and practical experience to guide you effectively. Whether it's stress management, career guidance, or mental health support, you can trust that you are in capable hands.


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