Lauren Freier, MA, LCPC
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Lauren is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who practices collaborative treatment with adults. In her style of genuine and empathic connection, Lauren actively engages clients in an insight-oriented, relationally-driven therapeutic process. She helps clients attune to their somatic and emotional experiences, access and trust their internal compass, build meaningful lives, and foster fulfilling relationships.
Lauren graduated magna cum laude from the University of Southern California with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and earned a master's degree from Pepperdine University, with honors, in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. In addition to her work in private practice settings, Lauren also has experience working in community-based mental health and non-profit settings, where she has facilitated school-based counseling groups and led various workshop topics. Lauren also provides clinical supervision for post-graduate clinicians.
Lauren specializes in working with complex trauma, anxiety, grief, relationship distress, family issues, and difficult life transitions, and does so through a trauma-informed, culturally-sensitive, inclusive lens. She offers compassionate feedback, fosters depth-focused exploration, helps with becoming “unstuck”, and empowers clients in their journey toward healing, self-acceptance, and skill-development. Lauren knows that an authentic and safe connection is a crucial foundation to therapeutic work, and shows up for her clients with humility, humanity, and warmth.
Michelle Thornton, MA, CYT
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Michelle is a pre-licensed counselor and certified yoga teacher who believes that by working with the mind and the body, deep healing can occur. She works with adults through a multicultural framework and approaches therapy from a place of warmth and acceptance. Viewing healing as a continuum and not a destination, Michelle creates space to embark on this journey safely and with compassionate curiosity.
Michelle earned her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Roosevelt University. She is also certified as a psychologically sensitive yoga teacher. In both her therapy and yoga practices, Michelle works from a trauma-informed lens, prioritizing the unique circumstances and identities of each client. Furthermore, Michelle understands that the body carries an innate intelligence and contributes to psychological wellness. She has supported clients clinically in university and private practice settings, where she provided individual therapy as well as developed and led workshops on a variety of mental health topics.
Michelle specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, and relational discord. She works from a psychodynamic and attachment perspective and understands that by exploring the roots of psychological suffering, individuals can improve current life circumstances and cultivate deeper fulfillment. She holds the foundational belief that there is transformative power in the therapeutic relationship and that it can provide a safe space to heal and navigate life in an authentic way. As a part of her evidence-based therapeutic style, Michelle integrates mindfulness, meditation, and somatic practices, such as yoga and breathwork. Additionally, Michelle can conduct therapy sessions in English and French.
Hope Chrzan, MA, LPC
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Hope is a pre-licensed counselor who supports adolescents and adults through a multicultural and trauma-informed lens. She carefully engages with everyone’s unique story, acknowledging the impact that social, systemic, and cultural factors have on an individual’s understanding of their identity and their mental health. Hope recognizes the crucial power of relationship-building, and emphasizes transparency, authenticity, thoughtfulness, and humor throughout the therapeutic process.
Hope attended Roosevelt University and earned her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. She brings experience from the community mental health sector, where she engaged in therapy and crisis intervention services to adults, youth, and families. Additionally, Hope has a background in working with individuals with developmental disabilities and has provided in-home behavioral interventions to children with Autism and related diagnoses. Hope has also provided coaching and parent training support for individuals diagnosed with ADHD.
Hope utilizes a client-centered approach and incorporates various evidence-based modalities including mindfulness-based and cognitive behavioral strategies. She specializes in depression, anxiety, LGBTQIA+ issues, transitional stressors, and complex trauma. She strives to create a space where clients feel validated and empowered, and where they can build a better understanding of themselves, their strengths, and the tools they need to enhance their mental wellness.