About Me
Lauren Gastorf, M.Ed., LPC-S
Hi! I’m Lauren.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor located in McKinney, TX. I am licensed in Texas and Colorado. I offer both in-person and virtual sessions.
I approach therapy from a non-judgmental and curious perspective. My goal is to help you achieve greater clarity, meaning, and purpose in your life. I believe you are the expert on you. It is my role as your therapist to support and encourage you as well as provide different treatment options, psychoeducation, and professional perspective.
I was trained using a humanistic psychology model, where holism, collaboration, creativity, and a focus on discovering your personal strengths and goodness are emphasized.
I utilize a number of theories and approaches in my clinical practice, including trauma-focused therapy, attachment theory, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and Polyvagal Theory (PVT).
My favorite thing about being a therapist is the therapeutic relationship I have the privilege of building with you. I enjoy the creative process in tailoring a treatment plan to meet your needs. No single therapeutic relationship or counseling session is the same. We get to create a plan and approach together. Please know you will be accepted no matter your background or identity regarding gender, sexuality, culture, religion.
As your therapist I will be reliable, transparent, and understanding. Beginning a therapeutic journey is a commitment. If you choose to work with me, I ask that you take great care of yourself between sessions. You’re worth it!
The road traveled…
Growing up playing sports, I developed an interest in exercise and nutrition. I received my Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology at The University of Texas at Austin in 2008. In 2011 I received my Master of Education in Counseling from the University of North Texas. I believe the mind, body, and spirit are intrinsically connected. I blend my backgrounds in physical health and mental health to facilitate change.
Prior to private practice, I worked in both for-profit and non-profit settings as a counselor, program manager, and supervisor. In addition to providing crisis and trauma-focused individual counseling, I facilitated groups for individuals recovering from eating disorders and survivors of domestic violence. In 2014 I became trained in EMDR and have used it ever since.
I started my private practice in 2015. I became a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) in 2020 and became an EMDR Certified Therapist in 2024.
Counseling Theories Utilized:
Polyvagal theory (PVT)
Attachment theory
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing)
Trauma-informed therapy
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Informed
Education/ Licensure/ Special Training:
B.S. in Kinesiology/Psychology Minor - The University of Texas at Austin, 2008
M.Ed. in Counseling - University of North Texas, 2011
Basic EMDR Training, 2014
EMDR Certified Therapist, 2024
Texas Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor #68165
Colorado Licensed Professional Counselor #0017651
“There is always more on its way – more opportunities, more ideas, more love. Know that there is enough. Know that you are enough. Know that you have enough.”
— Glennon Doyle
