Laura Zipris, Psychologist in Delray Beach, 33484

Laura A. Zipris, Psy.D., LMHC, LSP

Profession(s):
Psychotherapy, Psychology
License Status:
I'm a licensed professional.
Primary License:
Mental Health Counselor - MH9456
Secondary License:
Psychologist - 016131

My Approach to Helping

If you find a therapist that you feel connected to and comfortable with you are well on your way to a successful therapeutic experience. My primary goal when meeting you, first and foremost, is to ensure that we co-create a space together where you feel safe and supported to embark on your personal growth and healing journey. The goals we set thereafter are collaborative ones and will be informed by what it is you hope to accomplish in therapy. I always engage my clients in determining what it is that works best for them and I remain open to varied influences. I rely on an eclectic approach and draw from my 15 years of training and experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Imago Relationship Therapy and mindfulness based techniques. Ultimately, my therapy practice is about helping you take the life that you currently have and transform it into the life that you desire. I encourage you to dream about the endless possibilities for growth and change.

As an Imago Couples therapist, I serve as a teacher and a coach for couples as they learn the tools necessary for better communication, deeper connections, and a renewed sense of passion in the relationship. In addition, through the couple's restored connection and through dialogue, each individual can discover themselves more completely. This provides for the opportunity to grow and heal old wounds, and to live more fully and joyfully in connection.

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

One of my specialties includes working with couples facing infertility and reproductive loss. The pain, isolation, and trauma of infertility can have a devastating impact on individuals and relationships. I can help you and your partner to cope and navigate through the emotional maze together, all the while remaining connected, feeling loved, and feeling supported. My background in Imago therapy, along with my thorough understanding of the emotional and practical issues surrounding reproductive trauma allows me to be a supportive, empathic helper on this journey. In addition to my psychotherapy services, I have over 15 years experience working as a school psychologist in the public school system. I provide comprehensive psychological and psychoeducational assessments for a variety of exceptionalities including: giftedness, learning disabilities, ADHD, and emotional behavioral disorders in children and adults. Given my expertise in “Response to Intervention” and school district special education procedures, I assist families through the referral process and help them to obtain the appropriate and necessary interventions for their children.

On the Fence About Going to Therapy?

For ambivalent therapy seekers first, I want to say “I get it!” It makes sense that you feel ambivalent when thinking about diving into the depths of the unknown, a potentially painful and scary place, with a stranger! This apprehension and ambivalence is quite normal. I encourage people to do their homework before entering into a therapeutic relationship. What I mean by that is, interview therapists, as many as you need to, until you find one that feels like a good fit. Trust your instincts. Therapy is a very personal relationship and in order for it to be effective, you need to feel safe and connected to the therapist. Studies have shown that the therapeutic alliance between client and therapist is one of the most important variables for clients’ perceptions of growth and success; it is even more of a contributing factor than the specific therapeutic modality employed. So, chose wisely, take it slow, and remain open to the boundless possibilities for growth and change.

How My Own Struggles Made Me a Better Therapist

Like most people, my life journey thus far has been filled with ups and downs and so many difficult questions: Am I a good mother and partner? Can I accept and love myself and/or my situation just as is? Should I feel this much: anxiety, anger, and/or insecurity? One thing I now know for sure is that whatever the particular questions, obstacles, or unique challenges that we as individuals have, the common experience is that...At some point in time we all struggle with something. My own struggles have made me a better therapist because I am very sensitive and empathic whenever and wherever my clients get stuck. I understand that through our life-experiences and our childhood wounds we develop different adaptations that make us behave in ways that do not ultimately serve us. Despite the fact that the behaviors are no longer working for us, we are resistant to changing them and are often left feeling frustrated, ineffective, and stuck. Feeling stuck is often particularly highlighted in your intimate relationships. Marriage can be hard at times, as I have experienced first- hand. Without the necessary tools to navigate through conflicts, most relationships move into “battle” and into a painful “power struggle”. Imago Therapy provides a unique opportunity to change dysfunctional patterns and to “do it differently”. I am passionate about the Imago work I do, as it has proved transformative for me both personally and professionally.