Lauren Allswede

LAUREN ALLSWEDE Co-Founder & Owner  She/Her/Hers ​ People and animals say I'm easy to talk to, that I'm a good listener. And they're not wrong. I love the work I do and am privileged to work with so many amazing people. I take very seriously the responsibility to help and the need to connect. I want to heal trauma. Not cause trauma. We can laugh together and cry together. We can talk about big deals and small potatoes - dig in to the heavy stuff and also be light-hearted. We can explore everything from the wiring of your brain to the wonders of the world.  ​ I have been working in the field of trauma since 2003, beginning as a volunteer at a crisis center and as an advocate for sexual assault survivors. I received my Master's Degree of Social Work in 2007 and worked at the MSU Sexual Assault Program from 2008 - 2015. I have been in private practice since 2015 - with a focus still on working with trauma survivors and queer folk. In private practice now and as owner of North Practice, I get to do the work I love but without all those staff meetings to talk about the committee meetings to develop the strategies for maintaining optics.   ​ My area of expertise is trauma, including sexual abuse and relationship violence, harassment, and attachment-related trauma. I also specialize in working with transgender adolescents and adults, many who need help and support as they navigate medical services. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing, which research has shown to be an especially helpful treatment for complex trauma. I am also trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy. My approach to treatment and particular style can change based on who I'm working with, but it is always trauma-responsive, person-centered and evidence-based.  ​ Our society often prescribes a narrow definition of happiness and success that makes it hard to ask for help, even harder to see strength and wisdom in suffering. But I believe our entire experience is important and gives meaning to who we are and how we find purpose and belonging. I believe that people know the answers to their problems but often need a space to talk openly and honestly - to be heard and acknowledged. And chocolate - people need chocolate. I have that too.  Personal strengths include finding the most amazing rocks along the beach and telling fascinating stories about each one. For hours. Personal challenges include being on time to anything ever - but not because I don't value time. I just over-estimate my capacity and under-estimate physics.