Laura Jennings, LMSW-c

Services provided in Michigan & Colorado

"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.”

- Alessandra Ciolfi

In our work together, we will use Evidence-Based therapeutic interventions, highlighting Somatic tools paired with attachment science to navigate the impact of your life experiences as they show up in your Mind, Body, & Spirit.

We will endeavor to work gently - building safer spaces with vulnerability that can create healing. We will work to engage empathy & connection within our therapeutic relationship, building outward toward the World we live in. We will work to utilize all senses and our bodily sensations to access growth and healing.

The office space provides Snacks, Art supplies, Trampoline, Yoga balls, Sand Trays, Musical instruments, and Tuning Forks (sound healing). In addition to my University & Post-Graduate training, I am also a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP) & trained in Reiki; both of which can be used to inform our work together. Some of my mentors have been trained by Sandra Ingerman LMFT, LPCC, Shamanic trainer; whose work deeply informs my own work with Self & my clients. This background allows deeper insight & support into Sleep, Nutrition, and Alternative modalities. (All medical symptoms & diagnoses are referred to Medical providers for assessment and treatment).

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!

Experience:

  • I obtained my Master’s in Social Work from Wayne State University Detroit (2014) with a focus on Family Therapy & Alcohol/Substance Use. I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Social Work in 2009, emphasis in Medical Social Work/Oncology.

  • I’ve had over 10 years of clinical experience, primarily working with Complex Trauma. Primary experience with folks experiencing symptoms/diagnoses of PNES/Functional Seizures & Dissociative Identity Disorder.

  • I’ve had the pleasure of serving as a MSW Field Placement Supervisor for Wayne State University, University of Michigan, and Walden University. I’ve also appreciated the opportunity to support many LLMSW’s toward their licensure exam into their own Practice

  • My career as a Social Worker includes IDD Case Management (Wayne, Washtenaw counties), Nonprofit Program Development & Grant Implementation, ER & Medical/Psychiatric Social Work, MIHP Home Based Services, Psychiatric Crisis Assessment & Intervention and additional experience working with Alzheimer’s & Memory Loss, Oncology/Hematology, and Maternal Mental Health Care.

  • I’m trained in Reiki (Usui) & have a history of work with Energy Medicine, Tai Chi, & Supplemental Nutrition separately from my Therapy training. Though not utilized in psychotherapy treatment, this background allows a more Holistically informed treatment model.

Additional Trainings:

  • Integrative Mental Health Certification Course (28 CE)

    • Effective Mind-Body Techniques, Gut, Brain & Body Strategies, & Cultural & Environmental Impacts on Health (Colleen A. Burns LMHC, LADCI, Trainer)

    • Sleep and Mental Health

    • Harnessing Mindfulness to Combat Cravings, Anxiety & Addiction, and Habits in Mental Health Practice

    • Rediscovering Wonder (Jonah Pawuette, PsyD)

  • Trauma Intensive Stabilization Treatment

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

  • 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:

    • 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