Lauren Gerardi, LMHC

Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom. - Viktor E. Frankl

Lauren Gerardi, LMHC's style

Why Lauren Gerardi, LMHC chose to be in the helping profession

From a young age, I became aware of how family dynamics and primary relationships shape a person’s personality and sense of self. Moving during my childhood exposed me to a variety of cultures, socioeconomic backgrounds, and lifestyles, deepening my understanding of how environment and context impact mental health. These experiences shaped my ability to be compassionate, empathetic, and open-minded, and they sparked a passion for supporting individuals navigating challenges like difficult family dynamics, childhood trauma, relationship struggles, and boundary-setting issues.

I believe the therapeutic relationship itself holds immense power. By providing someone with a space to feel truly heard and validated, we can create a foundation for self-acceptance and openness—key ingredients for meaningful, positive change. This belief is what drives my commitment to this work.

Lauren Gerardi, LMHC's approach

I take a holistic and trauma-informed approach to mental wellness, understanding that the mind and body are deeply interconnected and that past experiences often play a significant role in shaping current circumstances. My goal is to meet you where you are, taking into account the unique interplay of your emotions, thoughts, physical sensations, and personal history to guide the therapeutic process.

My work draws on psychodynamic, attachment, inner child, and parts-of-self approaches to delve into how early relational experiences and formative dynamics influence the way you navigate life as an adult. This foundational work is crucial for uncovering patterns, understanding their origins, and creating a path toward greater self-awareness and growth.

At the same time, I believe in equipping my clients with actionable tools to make meaningful changes in their daily lives. To achieve this, I integrate techniques from CBT, DBT, and ACT, focusing on coping strategies, emotional regulation, and relationship-building skills. This blend of insight-driven and practical work allows us to address both the underlying causes of challenges and the immediate hurdles you may be facing.

Our sessions might include exploring present difficulties, processing recurring patterns, unpacking complex emotions, gaining clarity on new insights, or working through difficult memories. Together, we can also focus on aspects of self-discovery, helping you reconnect with parts of yourself that may have been suppressed or neglected over time.

I aim to create a welcoming, supportive, and safe environment where you feel heard, respected, and understood. This foundation allows therapeutic interventions to be fully experienced and integrated, fostering lasting growth and positive transformation. Through this collaborative process, we’ll work toward achieving the clarity, balance, and resilience you need to thrive.

What you can expect from sessions with Lauren Gerardi, LMHC

I take a collaborative approach with my clients. I aim to strengthen and empower you to connect with your own voice and work toward your goals. Our sessions will be guided by what feels most pressing or meaningful to you, while I strive to maintain a balance of active listening, motivational interviewing, and thoughtful guidance. I may challenge you gently when it feels necessary, but always with the intention of meeting you where you are and supporting your growth at your own pace.

Throughout our work together, I prioritize listening with attentiveness, openness, and unconditional positive regard. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, validated, and truly heard. I often bring warmth, humor, and metaphors into our sessions to make the process feel approachable and relatable while deepening understanding.

Between sessions, I may offer points of reflection, self-care exercises, or other actionable steps to help you integrate our work into your daily life. These tools are designed to support your progress, whether you're working on healing, developing insights, or building agency and accountability.

Most importantly, I believe the therapeutic relationship we build together can serve as a powerful foundation for transformation. By fostering trust, connection, and mutual respect, our work can help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself, embrace your strengths, and create meaningful change.

Lauren Gerardi, LMHC's experience working with the Jewish community

Over the years as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I have had the privilege of working with clients across the diverse spectrum of the Jewish community. My experience spans from individuals who identify as culturally Jewish but do not engage in religious practices to those deeply connected to the Orthodox community, as well as many who fall somewhere in between. Most of my work has been with Jewish women who identify as Reform or Conservative, navigating their unique journeys within the framework of their faith and culture.

As someone for whom Jewish identity holds deep personal significance, I am passionate about supporting others who share this connection, however, they choose to define it. Judaism is a uniquely multifaceted tradition, offering countless ways to identify with and express it, whether culturally, religiously, or both.

I strive to bring openness, comfort, and cultural sensitivity to my work with Jewish clients. My approach is informed by both professional experience and personal understanding, allowing me to meet individuals where they are in their relationship with Judaism. Whether addressing challenges specific to their Jewish identity or more universal issues, I am honored to provide a safe and affirming space for Jewish individuals from all walks of life.

Lauren Gerardi, LMHC's Book Recommendation Zone

• The Gift of Therapy
• Relationship OCD
• Insecure in Love

Approaches

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Attachment-based
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Existential
• Inner child work
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Mindfulness and Meditation
• Motivational Interviewing
• Psychodynamic Therapy

Concerns

• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Celiac Disease
• Codependency
• Emotion regulation
• Life purpose and meaning
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Relationships
• Stress management
• Transitions & Change
• Trauma

4 years in practice

Licenses

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor 2023. License number 013355

Degrees

• Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling 2021
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration 2018

Average costs per session

$200

Payment Methods

• Insurance
• Sliding Scale
• Free consultation
• Credit Card

Insurances

• Aetna
• MVP
• Optum
• Oscar
• out of network
• Oxford
• United Healthcare