Lauren Shanafelt

Lauren is a Master’s Level Intern at Southern Methodist University, where she is pursuing her Master of Science in Counseling. She specializes in personality disorders, depression, anxiety, and trauma. 

Lauren is a thoughtful therapist who skillfully incorporates evidence-based approaches into her clinical practice, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She is also trained in EMDR, a therapy modality used in the treatment of trauma. Her therapeutic style is structured, collaborative, and grounded in practical techniques aimed at helping clients develop effective coping strategies and emotional regulation skills.

 In session, Lauren collaborates with clients to identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs, navigate difficult emotions, and replace unproductive behaviors with healthier alternatives. Her goal is to empower individuals to achieve their personal goals and navigate life’s challenges with greater confidence and resilience. By combining the structure of CBT with the mindfulness and emotional regulation skills of DBT, Lauren supports clients in making lasting changes that promote overall mental well-being.

 Lauren holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with a minor in Business Administration, from the University of Texas at Austin. Her experiences at UT and SMU, alongside her personal journey as a client, have greatly influenced her therapeutic approach and perspective. Over the past several years, Lauren has gained valuable hands-on experience working in various private practice settings, strengthening her expertise in clinical care.