Laura Hetzel (she/her) is a Registered Art Therapist. She holds a masters degree in Art Therapy from School of Visual Arts. Laura has worked in schools, museums, and outpatient mental health agencies with teens, young adults, children, and families. 

Laura supports teens and young adults who feel they are struggling to get things right to build confidence and strengthen their sense of self. Laura helps clients explore connections between their past experiences and their present to identify and resolve barriers that inhibit moving forward. 

Laura also specializes in family systems. With children and families, Laura collaborates with parents/guardians to identify and set goals. She partners with caregivers to strengthen communication and connection between family members while celebrating the unique qualities of each individual. Within family sessions, art making can be a vehicle to process and identify needs and boundaries as well as practice communication and new skills. Laura is thoughtful about and experienced in adapting art therapy to suit diverse sensory needs.

Laura is also trained in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), an evidence-based approach that supports kids and their caregivers to recover after trauma. Laura aims to create a safe, hopeful place to grow within the therapeutic relationship and maintains a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive approach. 

Outside of therapy, Laura enjoys making photographs, writing, and exploring nature with her rescue dog.

Contact Artful Explorations Therapy to schedule a free consultation.