My Journey To Therapy

Before I became a therapist in 1994, I spent 21 years as an educator. I was working in Kansas City at the secondary level with gifted youth when I realized my responsibilities as a teacher often crossed over into therapeutic work, both for the kids and their families. I was guiding them, helping them transition, expand and grow, but I also felt like I didn’t have the necessary training to provide that kind of specialized support. So, I returned to school and earned a master’s degree in clinical counseling to pair with the master’s degree in psychology and research from the University of Kansas. Since then, I haven’t stopped pursuing knowledge in order to help others achieve their full potential.

After graduating with my masters, I worked as a primary therapist and eventually a family program therapist in an inpatient setting. Then I landed a position at the University of Arizona, where I was able to combine my love of education with providing needed support. It didn’t take me very long to notice the overwhelming prevalence of eating disorders within college-aged men and women in Tucson. Anorexia, bulimia, body image issues, weight issues and compulsive eating are so common here, and the ability to recover from these disorders means saving lives. So, again, my studies led me to where I was needed. I began my specialized work in eating disorder treatment.

Since then, my repertoire of resources has grown, and now I am among the most highly trained eating disorder therapists in the country. I have served as the co-coordinator of the Body Smart Initiative at the University of Arizona, the president of the Tucson Chapter of International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals, as coordinator of the Eating Disorder Services at the Campus Health Service at the University of Arizona and as a member of the board of directors for the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals. I served on the iaedp Governance Committee, and currently serve as co-education chair for the iaedp Tucson Chapter. I am a member of the American Academy of Eating Disorders. I hold Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) status.

My work has always led to where I was needed most. I was raised on mid-America values, and I raised my son on those values, as well. I believe in hard work, collaboration, honesty and respect. These are the principles my life and work are founded upon.

My Therapeutic Philosophy and How I Work With Clients

I believe in Maslow’s hierarchy– that we all have the ability and right to reach our personal autonomy. However, empowerment and independence can only be achieved once our more basic needs are fulfilled. Therapy provides the incredible opportunity for you to get those needs met. Here, you can openly express your innermost concerns and desires and in return receive acceptance, unconditional encouragement, curiosity and support. In a safe, empathic environment, you can clarify what you need to awaken your inner strength, courage and truth. You can be empowered to live well and find out who you truly are, what you want and how to effectively instill long-lasting change and growth.

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”

-Theodore Roosevelt

Because counseling sessions are a place for you to find support and a safe context to express your thoughts and feelings freely, the most powerful thing you can bring to therapy is yourself. In return, you can expect the utmost respect and honesty from me, while I strive to provide the best care possible.

I have over 20 years of experience in anxiety counseling, depression therapy, eating disorder treatment, body image issues and couples counseling. I am licensed by the state of Arizona and certified by the National Board of Certified Counselors and have on-going training in several therapy modalities, including attachment theory, CBT, DBT, ACT, mindfulness, differentiation theory, couples training with John Gottman and many other approaches.

With my guidance and support, I believe you can not only achieve your therapy goals, but thrive beyond what you previously thought possible. We can collaboratively identify and implement your goals and alleviate pent-up emotional distress and physical discomforts. While my approach varies depending on each client’s individual resources, goals, personality and needs, everyone here is welcomed with openness, authentic compassion, flexibility and unconditional positive regard. I invite people of all faiths and backgrounds to try therapy with me. Effective therapy provides a space for all to address and attend to lingering conflicts.

Schedule An Appointment Today

If you would like to learn more about depression counseling, anxiety treatment, eating disorder treatment and couples counseling or my private practice located in Tucson, AZ, please call 520-268-8890 for a free 15-minute consultation. I offer flexible scheduling options and can provide limited services in Spanish. I’m happy to answer any questions you have about my approach, my background or my practice.

Laura Orlich is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Arizona. Laura has fulfilled criteria qualifying her as a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS). She earned a masters degree in clinical counseling from the University of Phoenix and a masters degree in educational psychology and research from the University of Kansas. She is a proud member of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals, The Academy of Eating Disorders,The Invisible Theater Advisory Board and the American Counseling Association. Previously, Laura served as the Coordinator for Eating Disorder Services and provided therapy to students at the University of Arizona Campus Health Service. During her 15 year tenure at the U of A, Laura provided counseling for students with body image issues, disordered eating and related stresses. She created and coordinated campus events highlighting education, prevention and treatment related to eating disorder issues. Now in private practice, she treats individuals and couples and families struggling with body image issues, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and general adjustment concerns. Laura, also, provides consults and resources connecting clients with the services they seek..

 

“Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.”

– Anais Nin