Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Reed.
Hi Laura, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Well, I’ve spent most of my adult life in education and and working with children. After earning my undergraduate degree in Education, I taught in California before moving to Nice, France, where I taught for several years. When I returned to the States, I pursued my Master’s in Educational Psychology at The University of Texas at Austin and then became a school counselor in Austin ISD for many years.
As my boys grew up, I took a creative detour to spend more time with them and explored my love of photography. I opened a boutique photography studio in downtown Austin—Laura Reed Photography—where I specialized in high school seniors. I ran it for about ten years until COVID hit, which gave me time to reflect on where I wanted to go next.
Near the end of the pandemic, a close friend mentioned that Lake Travis ISD was hiring school counselors. I joined Lake Travis Elementary, which turned out to be one of the most rewarding professional experiences of my career. The students and administration were absolutely wonderful to work with, and being back in counseling reignited my passion for the field. With encouragement from colleagues, I took the leap into private practice, initially working after school part-time.
Over time my personal circumstances shifted and I had to transition out of my school counselor position, however my part time practice continued to grow. Today, I’m grateful to have a thriving private practice and a full caseload. I truly love the work I do and it’s not lost on me that not everyone can say that about going to work everyday.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I would say that, for the most part, my journey has been smooth. I’ve been very fortunate to have a husband and two sons who have supported me through every chapter. Whether I wanted to start a photography business, return to school counseling, or open my own private practice, they’ve always been in my corner, cheering me on.
Of course, like everyone, I’ve faced a few challenges along the way. The pandemic brought its share of stress and uncertainty, and I saw firsthand how deeply it affected children—especially high school seniors who were missing so many milestone experiences.
While I was at Lake Travis Elementary, my mother became very ill, and my siblings and I took on the responsibility of caring for her full time. It was a difficult time, and ultimately, I had to step away from my school counseling position—a job and a school community that I truly loved. Thankfully, I was surrounded by an incredibly supportive faculty who made that transition easier.
I’ve always believed that everything happens for a reason, and I genuinely feel that every decision, every challenge, and every experience has led me to where I am today. I’m grateful for all of it—the smooth parts and the hard ones—because together, they’ve shaped the person and therapist I’ve become.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and the owner of Laura Reed, LPC. I’m certified as a Youth Mental Health Specialist a Child and Adolescent Anger Management Specialist, and a Child Cognitive Behavioral Specialist. Last year, I completed my Supervisor training and now have the privilege of mentoring associates as they work toward their own licensure.
Children and teens are truly my passion. I’ve built my practice around creating a safe, welcoming space where all of my clients can explore their unique challenges with openness and support. Most of my clients are between the ages of 9 and 19, with a large portion being middle and high school students.
My specialties include areas such as ADHD, depression, neurodiversity, trauma, grief, anxiety, anger management, executive functioning struggles, panic disorders, and others. I use several approaches to therapy, however I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Positive Psychology approaches. I recognize that issues such as depression, anxiety, or trauma look very different in children depending on their developmental stage, so understanding where they are in their growth is central to how we work together.
My background as a School Counselor for many years gave me a unique ability to identify and support the wide range of academic, emotional, social, and behavioral struggles that students face every day.
Recently, I shared in an interview that one of my clients once said, “I like coming here because you’re not like other therapists.” When the interviewer asked what that meant, I explained that therapy in my office doesn’t always have to feel heavy. Some days we play an anger game, make art about anxiety, or do silly yoga poses to relax. I talk about my boys; I share my own experiences so my clients know they aren’t alone. Sometimes we sit on the floor, hold hands, laugh, cry, or get real together. I call them out when I need to, and I invite them to ask me questions, too.
Therapy, to me, is a collaborative process built on trust and genuine connection. Whether they’re 9 or 19, every client who walks through my door knows how much I care about them. I approach each session with compassion, curiosity, humor, and unconditional support. It’s important to help my clients discover their inner strengths, practice self-compassion, and find the tools they need to thrive.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
As a child growing up in New Orleans at Christmas was truly magical. As a family, we would decorate the Christmas tree together every year. After decorating, we’d pile into the car and head to Jackson Square in the French Quarter. Candlelight carols filled the square, and it was packed shoulder to shoulder with people. Each person had a candle and would lean over to light their neighbor’s from their own—even if they didn’t know them. It was pure Christmas magic. Seeing the entire square glowing in candlelight, with hundreds of voices singing together, was unforgettable.
Afterwards, we always went home, turned on the record player, and watched my parents dance the night away. They’d Jitterbug, Twist, and do the Mashed Potato while we sipped eggnog and tried, often unsuccessfully, to join in. Those evenings were filled with laughter, music, and a sense of warmth and family that I’ll always treasure.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.laurareedlpc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselingkids
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/counselingkids
