Laura Eklund

I have been a therapist since 2004 working in both private and group practice with adults and children before joining with Kaiser Permanente psychiatry in 2012, recently returned to sole private practice in 2021. I earned my clinical social work degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, which was awarded a top 5 ranking in the field. I additionally have completed post-graduate studies at University of Virginia Mary Ainsworth Clinic and American School of Clinical Psychology in Washington DC.

While I enjoy use of various therapy methods, including CBT and ACT to treat anxiety and depression, I have a particular passion in the use of EMDR for trauma and stress disorders. I consider myself very privileged to have trained with and sought consultation with Andrew Leeds, who is an EMDRIA board member and foundational researcher in the field. .Many of my clients have reported this technique to be a fast and highly effective treatment that they wish they had considered sooner. Please feel free to look over the links regarding the high-effectiveness of EMDR and to reach me with any questions.

Additionally, I have extensive expertise in the area of dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) another great therapy style that I can strongly recommend, I was very fortunate to be part of a 2012 Ben Hudnell Grant to develop a DBT program for Kaiser Permanente’s Psychiatry Department, initially at the Washington DC clinic and then later heading the program for KP Psychiatry in Pleasanton, CA; running these programs from 2015-2021. I find the coping skills taught in DBT to be essential, not only for reducing suffering and problem behaviors, but for helping to create a life worth living. While DBT was initially developed to assist those with Borderline Personality Disordered traits, it has broadened to include helping those looking to manage with mood swings, anger, relationship problems, binge eating, bipolar disorders, anxiety and depression, as well as assisting those is continuing recovery from addictions. I especially recommend DBT for those who struggle with anger or shutting down, as relationship dynamics are really where difficult can present. I teach both basic DBT and advanced practice, whether your new to process or experienced I am happy to support your process in session. There is the hope to include group education and process, in the future, pandemic needs permitting.

I see my clients online via secure telehealth on Mondays and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays are available for in-person for those full-vaccinated and without COVID exposure concerns. You may schedule a free 20-minute telehealth consult via website below.