Business Details
Integrative Psychotherapy & Somatic Healing in Westport, CT
Laura van Riper Therapy provides integrative psychotherapy blending mind-body strategies to address trauma, anxiety, life transitions, and chronic stress. With over two decades of clinical experience, I specialize in Somatic Experiencing and EMDR, offering tailored therapeutic support for adults, children, and families. My practice emphasizes self-awareness, emotional regulation, and sustainable healing through evidence-based techniques.Trained at Columbia University and certified by Somatic Experiencing International, I combine psychodynamic, cognitive, and somatic approaches to foster resilience. My background in corporate HR and social work informs a holistic understanding of client needs. I maintain licenses in Connecticut and New York while collaborating with schools and healthcare providers to optimize client care.
Services
Adult Therapy
Child & Adolescent Therapy
Somatic Experiencing
EMDR Therapy
Parent Guidance
Trauma Treatment
Anxiety Counseling
Depression Therapy
Life Transitions Support
Stress Management
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of clinical experience in trauma-informed therapy.
- Our practice integrates Somatic Experiencing and EMDR with traditional psychotherapy.
- We provide specialized treatment for chronic stress and developmental trauma.
- Our therapist maintains advanced certifications from recognized institutions.
- We collaborate with schools and healthcare providers for comprehensive care.
Associations and certifications
- Somatic Experiencing International
- National Association of Social Workers
What people say
Truly feel transformed
Strength and courage
Supportive environment
Positive attitude
Effective trauma resolution
Services
Adult Therapy
Specialized psychotherapy for adults addressing anxiety, depression, and life transitions through evidence-based techniques. Combines talk therapy with somatic strategies to enhance self-awareness and emotional regulation. Focuses on resolving trauma and chronic stress to promote sustainable personal growth and improved relationships.
Somatic Experiencing
Body-oriented trauma treatment developed by Peter Levine to release chronic stress and PTSD symptoms. Guides clients to process trapped survival energy through mindful awareness of physical sensations. Integrates with psychotherapy to address root causes of trauma for lasting emotional and physical relief.
Child & Adolescent Therapy
Therapeutic support for children and teens facing anxiety, behavioral issues, and family challenges. Uses play therapy and somatic techniques to improve emotional regulation. Collaborates with parents and educators to create supportive environments that foster resilience and academic success through age-appropriate interventions.
EMDR Therapy
Evidence-based treatment for trauma and anxiety that reprocesses distressing memories through bilateral stimulation. Reduces negative emotions associated with past experiences while improving coping mechanisms. Combines cognitive restructuring with somatic awareness to achieve rapid, lasting symptom relief for PTSD and anxiety disorders.
Parent Guidance
Coaching for parents managing children's mental health, behavioral issues, or family transitions. Provides strategies for effective communication and emotional support. Addresses challenges related to divorce, blended families, and academic struggles while promoting healthy parent-child relationships through practical, trauma-informed guidance.
People
Laura van Riper
Therapist
Laura van Riper is a licensed clinical social worker with 20+ years of experience in trauma therapy. She specializes in Somatic Experiencing and EMDR, holding certifications from Somatic Experiencing International. Her practice focuses on mind-body healing for individuals and families.
Questions
What therapeutic approaches do you use?
I combine psychodynamic therapy with Somatic Experiencing and EMDR, integrating cognitive-behavioral techniques and mindfulness strategies tailored to each client's needs.
Do you accept insurance?
I operate as an out-of-network provider, allowing flexibility in treatment planning while providing documentation for potential insurance reimbursement.
How do you involve families in treatment?
For child clients, I collaborate with parents and educators through regular meetings to ensure consistent support across home, school, and therapy environments.
What trauma certifications do you hold?
I am a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and EMDR-trained therapist, with advanced training from Somatic Experiencing International and the Center for Mind-Body Medicine.
Can you help with life transitions?
Yes, I specialize in supporting clients through career changes, divorce, parenthood, and other major life transitions using evidence-based coping strategies.
