Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Webb.
Hi Lauren, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey began when I was post undergrad and I was making steps towards becoming a K-12 teacher. I was working as a preschool teacher while I was preparing for the credentialing process, I realized I kept putting off moving forward and started to reflect on why. Through my interactions with my students I started noticing how early kids are impacting by mental health and emotional needs, i felt limited in my role as a teacher so I decided to pursue my masters degree in school counseling. One semester in and I realized I still felt limited in how I could best serve others, I switched my concentration to clinical mental health counseling and started the 8 year journey towards becoming a therapist. I worked in the non-profit world as a counselor for transition age youth (15-20) who were in the foster care and/or probations system. I then transitioned to working for youth services-serving as a counselor for youth aged 4-20 and their families within the Medi-Cal system. I then stepped into the therapist role at a group practice alongside part-time therapy work for a short-term therapeutic housing program for high risk girls aged 12-17. The various roles i worked within lead me to where I am today with my own California based menat health practice and contract work at a trauma based therapy center in Oahu. My approach has evolved into a wellness based approach that incorporates the mind and body towards holistic healing. The heart of my work is supporting people in healing their trauma, relationship wounds and mental health challenges that impact their well-being. Further I believe in diverse modalities that strive to help individuals in developing a deeper connection between their mind and body through tradiitonal therapy, yoga and somatic techniques.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have had many obstacles through this journey that have definitely aided in me becoming stronger. I remember when I was at my lowest point: I was burnt out professionally and personally, recovering from knee surgery and was close to giving up. While imobile on my couch I applied for my first non-profit position in the field on a whim and I landed the role, leading to a needed change in my life.
From the beginning I ran into “red tape” challenges related to delays in paperwork and licensure requirements, For example one month prior to completeing my masters I learned the university forgot to notify me about an additional needed course, prolonging my education journey. While working in non-profits I experienced burn-out due to high intensity cases and lenghty state paperwork requirements and low pay that made it hard to live in the community I was serving. tI feel grateful towards all the incredible supervisors I had over the years that really supported me in overcoming the obstacles I faced. I remember I kept reminding myself there was a light at the end of the tunnel, I worked too hard to give up now! Now as my business continues to grow I feel I’m truly in the light I was working towards.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Holistic Wellness with Lauren?
My business is a culmination of the various agencies/organizations I have worked for in education and mental healh. I developed my brand with the belief that applying a diagnosis to an individual can be a limiting towards true healing. My approach seeks to treat the whole person, understanding the innerconnectedness of our emotional, physical, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing. I’m licensed as a LPCC (licensed professional clinicial counselor) in CA and LMHC (licensed mental health counselor) in Hawaii, as well as certifications in yoga teaching, somatic principles and trauma based practices.
I’m the most proud of creating a space for individuals from various backgrounds to feel supported, safe and seen beyond labels that may have created limitations. In particular many pe0ple can talk about their issues but still experience challenges due to the disconnect between all the parts of self. My approach seeks to deepen connection and awareness within a world that is becoming more and more disconnected.
I’m really excited because I’m launching movement-based services through individual and group yoga sessions based in somatic exploration held on the beach. Connecting with our bodies in nature is something I embody in my own life and am so excited to be able to offer this to others.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up I was pretty quiet and shy! I remember I loved being outside and imagining my own games, i could play make believe for hours. I deeply loved animals and felt like I always wanted to explore the world. I had some tough challenges within my family growing up that helped shaped who I am today. I experienced my own traumas that were very hard but ultimately lead me to learn how to forgive others and understand all the parts that made them who they were outside of anger. At times I wanted so badly to fit in with peers that I feel I molded myself to be what I thought others wanted rather than staying true to myself, i definitely had long periods of having shame around who I was and not feeling worthy or true belonging in the world. For me it took moving away from my hometown to really grow into who I was and feel strong and capable to be me.
Contact Info:
