Laura Jennings, LMSW-c

Services provided in Michigan & Colorado

Wherever you have come from & wherever you may be today, I believe that you have the ability to find love, joy, and community in your life. I value my role in providing support and encouragement while creating a safe environment for you to achieve your goals.

In our work together, we will use somatic tools to explore deeply held emotional and physical impact of your life experiences. I believe in vulnerability with empathy and connection within the therapeutic relationship.

You are your best teacher, and you know yourself better than anyone. My role is to be with you as you navigate the challenges experienced; walking alongside you as you work toward becoming your best self.

Alessandra Ciolfi, a clinician I deeply respect, says the following about Somatic work & its impact:

"Healing did not necessarily begin when the symptoms disappeared; healing began when the relationship with the symptom changes. When fear gradually gave way to curiosity, when helplessness began giving way to agency, when the body no longer felt like an enemy, and when the nervous system was finally able to complete responses that had remained unfinished for years. Sometimes if we are willing to follow (symptoms) with curiosity, respect, and trust, we can follow them somewhere we never expected to go.”

Please reach out if this sounds like an approach you’re looking for; I’m looking forward to meeting you & see if we are a good fit to journey together!

Background: I received my Master’s in Social Work from Wayne State University Detroit(2014) with concentrations in Family Therapy & Alcohol/Substance Use. I’ve had over 10 years of clinical experience, primarily working with Complex Trauma, including folks who experience symptoms of PNES/Functional Seizures and diagnoses of Dissociative Identity Disorder. I’ve also had the pleasure of serving as a MSW Field Placement Supervisor for Wayne State University, University of Michigan, and Walden University. My career as a Social Worker includes IDD Case Management, Program Development & Grant Implementation, ED & Medical Social Work, MIHP, Psychiatric Crisis Assessment & Intervention and additional experience working with Alzheimer’s & Memory Loss, Oncology/Hematology, and Maternal Mental Health Care.

Additional Trainings:

  • Sensorimotor Psychotherapy:

    • Sensorimotor Psychotherapy for the Treatment of Trauma (Live online, Raymond Rodriguez, Trainer)

    • From Narrative to Nervous System: Sensorimotor Sequencing to Process Shock Trauma (Live online, Pat Ogden & Tracy Jarvis)

    • Innovations in Treating Complex Trauma & PTSD; Advanced Strategies using a Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Approach (Pat Ogden, Trainer)

    • Innovations in Treatment: Sensorimotor Approach for Clients on the Autism Spectrum (Bonnie Goldstein, Trainer)

    • When the Past Intrudes on the Present: Sensorimotor Psychotherapy for Couples (Bonnie Goldstein, Pat Ogden Trainers)

    • Embodied Presence: SP and Cultural Humility (Jacqueline Compton, RP, RCAT)

    • Cardiology, Autonomic Regulation, and Trauma: Understanding Heart-Body Dynamics Through Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (Alessandra Ciolfi, LCP, CBT RP, and Stefano Bianchi, MD)

    Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT):

    • Emotionally Focused Therapy Externship (Lansing, Elana Katz, Trainer)

    • Emotionally Focused Therapy, EFIT Essentials (Toronto; Leanne Campbell, Robin Williams Blake; Trainers)

    • Finding our Depth: Growing Skill, Capacity and Attunement in EFT (Ohio, Elana Katz & Carolyn Wenner, Trainers)

    • Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT):Attachment-based Interventions to Treat Trauma, Anxiety and Depression (Sue Johnson, Trainer)

    • Homeward Bound: A Journey to Safe Connection and Healing with EFFT & EFIT (Gail Palmer & Robin Williams Blake, Trainers)

    Additional Trainings:

    • Advanced Trauma Training: Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment of Complex Trauma and Dissociative Disorders (50 CE Certification, Janina Fisher, Live Trainer)

    • Putting Polyvagal Theory into Practice (Deb Dana, Trainer)

    • Suicide-Focused Assessment and Treatment (Stanford University, 2024)

    • NASW Certificate in Core Supervision, 2025

    • Trauma-Focused CBT (Michigan Trauma Initiative, 2015)

    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (The Children’s Center, Detroit MI)

    • Treating Childhood Emotional Neglect (Jonice Webb)

    • Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Trauma in Schools