Laura A. Jaap, MA, LP
Wayzata, Minnesota
VerifiedTelehealth Available
My Approach to Therapy
My style is direct, dynamic and change-oriented, combining compassionate understanding of present problems with enthusiasm and hope for future goals.
My view is holistic, striving for balance of body and mind. My strategies encompass emotional, cognitive, behavioral and spiritual aspects, and involve strength-based, solutions-focused principles.
My Practice & Services
We are a small-scale, big-hearted, female-owned, dedicated collaboration of professionally trained and licensed independent contractors who support each other and our clients in healing work.
Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With
My career started with in-home counseling of teens and parents referred by County Social Services. In the trenches, rewarding work. Followed by twenty years in a medical setting treating all levels of Eating Disorders, Pre and Post-Bariatric patients, and Weight Management concerns.
More recently, I have interest and training in Couples Communication and relational issues.
In addition, due to my own personal experience, I have on-going dedication to the support of Cancer Patients, Autism Parenting and Dementia Caregiving.
Finally, I believe my long and varied experience allows me to help other Therapists with this important work.
What I Love about Being a Psychotherapist
Getting to know your story. It is so inspiring and an honor to be with you and witness the transformation process.
My Role as a Therapist
is being an equal, authentic partner in the healing process. It is a real relationship, with professional boundaries. My goal is to provide support and guidance while questioning and challenging unhelpful ways of thinking and coping, as well as finding more effective strategies to help you meet your needs.
On the Fence About Going to Therapy?
The first step is the hardest. As with anything worthwhile. What have you got to lose? You have so much to gain in this process, including support, self-awareness and self-care, improved relationships and overall quality of life. Just do it!
Important Factors for Choosing a Therapist
It can seem daunting, right? It? It?s helpful to know what you want in terms of your therapists personality, style. What are you looking for in this relationship? Being open and honest throughout the process is key.
What I Say to People Concerned about the Therapy Process
I get it. Sharing your struggles with a total stranger can be intimidating, but also rejuvenating. I believe the session is your safe space and you get to decide how best to use it. I will ask questions, provide observations, ideas, suggestions and even give guidance, but ultimately you are in charge of the process and the timing. Healing lies in the courage to participate and the connection created.
My View on the Nature of 'Disorders'
They are just a description of a set of symptoms, problems or challenges used for understanding,
NOT a label of a persons identity.
Expertise & Specialties
Age Groups I Work With
TeensAdultsElders
Groups I Work With
Individuals, Couples, Families, Parents Mental Health Professionals Medical and Educational Professionals Autism and Dementia Caregivers Cancer Patients Bariatric and Eating Disorder Patients Terminal and Chronic Illness Patients
Therapy Services & Specialties
Concerns & Challenges Addressed
Adjusting to Change / Life TransitionsAging and Geriatric IssuesAnxietyAutism SpectrumBipolarBlended Family IssuesBody ImageCancer
Therapeutic Approaches & Evidence-Based Methods
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Body-Mind PsychotherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Conflict Resolution TherapyDialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)Family Systems TherapyGottman MethodHolistic Psychotherapy
Industries & Communities
EducationFirst Responder/Medical ProfessionalsSelf-Employed and Freelance ProfessionalsUnion First