Laurel Vogel, MA

For much of my life I suffered from chronic, low grade depression, and engaged in a relentless struggle to understand my personal pain and the obstacles to feeling good about myself and secure in the world. Growing up in an alcoholic home stirred in me a tenacious desire to learn about the origins of suffering and of abuse—my own and that of others. My circumnavigations have taken me through many kinds of work and spiritual affiliations, and of course, therapies. Drawing from the incredible learning and growth I’ve experienced on my personal path, I have at my command many different modalities to work with when treating clients, the most important of which, I have discovered, is a relational-emotion-focused one.

I have also embraced the path of Zen Buddhism, finding that a contemplative path is essential for working with my mind and its waywardness. My relational/contemplative approach is blended from my experiences, and is grounded in my writing practice. (See my blog) An effective therapy, I believe, is one that can encompass the reality of the client without also being swallowed by it. Because I have so thoroughly navigated my way through my own pain, and CONTINUE to do this work, I have both the closeness and distance required to assist others with their issues.

When choosing a therapist, you want to select someone who resonates with your area of concern. I am most skilled with low-grade chronic depression, chronic stress, emotional stuckness, addictions and compulsive behavior, relationship problems, questions of meaning and purpose, spiritual and political issues, writing therapy, and ecopsychological issues (how ecology relates with our inner psychology).

I am not the right match for you if you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a major depressive disorder, borderline personality disorders (psychotic or sociopathic tendencies), or if you are suicidal.

EDUCATION

• MA Integrative Psychology: Antioch University Seattle
• BA Self-designed in Relational/Cultural Psychology: Western Washington University

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & DESIGNATION

• Co-facilitated Despair to Empowerment Workshop (Joanna Macy’s work)
• Facilitated Recovery Group incorporating meditation/contemplative principles

PUBLICATIONS

In a Cradle of Words: Intimate Encounters in Relational Therapy

PERSONAL THERAPY, SUPERVISION AND EDUCATION

Continued learning is crucial to competent therapy. As such, I take courses and research the most current literature, regularly attend conferences, and participate in ongoing confidential supervision and consultation. Currently I am engaged in a study course on Attachment and Neurobiology.

As a writer, I continually research and study relevant literature that integrates science with the art of relationship and emotional well-being.

Serving clients requires self-care. For my own well-being I participate in personal therapy and meditation practice.