Thoughtful therapy for those navigating grief, loss, and life transitions.

For the parts of life that ask more of us.

Some moments in life change us in ways that can’t be rushed or solved.

Whether you’re facing loss, illness, or a season of deep uncertainty, therapy can offer a steady place to pause, reflect, and find your footing again.

I offer grounded, compassionate support for adults navigating these quieter thresholds—moments that ask more of us than we may expect.

Areas of Support

Grief and loss

End-of-life

Major life transitions

Navigating mortality

Aging

Illness

Caregiving and role changes

Bereavement

Burnout and overwhelm

Existential questions

Approach

A serene body of water representing compassionate listening through gestalt and existential therapy approaches.

This work is relational, grounded, and whole-person oriented. Therapy can help people feel and make sense of their loss, adjust to the changes it brings, and find ways to carry connection and meaning forward.

During complex, emotionally demanding times, feeling understood, gaining support, and being better resourced can be incredibly powerful.

You can expect:

  • Attentive, compassionate listening

  • Respect for your context, culture, and lived experience

  • An integrative approach that considers emotional, physical, and practical needs

Counseling here is not about quick fixes, but about steady support during complex human moments.

Grief counseling for adults in Texas. Caregiver counseling and burnout support. Therapy for chronic illness and life transitions. End-of-life counseling for individuals and families.

About Lauren

I’m Lauren McLaughlin, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate Supervised by Kimberley Mead, LPC-S, with a background in Community Psychology, group facilitation, and wellness education. I bring over a decade of experience supporting individuals and communities through transition, uncertainty, and care-centered work.

My work as a therapist is grounded in existential and humanistic approaches, meaning I focus on the real conditions of life and how we make sense of and respond to them. I prioritize autonomy and view therapy as a collaborative relationship rather than a procedure. Presence, authenticity, and the therapeutic relationship itself are central to how I support healing.

I also integrate somatic awareness and mindfulness into therapy, supporting clients in noticing how stress, emotion, and meaning are held in the body.

Services

Individual Counseling

Flexible in-person or online therapy, serving adults in Texas. You can choose to meet virtually via a secure Telehealth platform or in-person in a quiet, private office space. Austin and Jonestown locations are available.

Group Counseling

Groups meet in-person for a set duration of time and on a regular schedule. Group therapy can be very helpful in reducing isolation, deepening understanding, and fostering resilience through shared experience and mutual support.

Upcoming Groups

Multiple Texas locations are available. Learn more here.

Individual counseling office, showing flexible in-person and/or virtual sessions, serving adults in Texas.
Areas of Support: Grief and loss, Major life transitions, Bereavement, Illness and aging, End-of-life, Caregiving and family role changes, Stress, overwhelm, and emotional fatigue, Meaning and existential questions.

Your Questions, Answered.

  • Yes, I am currently accepting new clients.

    If my schedule is full or I’m not the best fit for your needs, I’m happy to provide referrals so you can find the right support. Finding the right therapeutic relationship matters, and I want you to receive the support you need, even if that’s not with me.

  • Yes. All sessions are conducted virtually through a HIPAA-compliant platform.

    You’ll need:

    • A stable internet connection

    • A private, quiet space

    • A phone or computer with camera and microphone

    Virtual therapy is a great option for those with busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, or geographic distance.

    As a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Texas, you must be physically located in Texas at the time of your session. If you’re traveling, please let me know ahead of time so we can confirm whether I’m able to see you.

  • In-person sessions are predominately offered at my Jonestown office, near Cedar Park or HWY 183 and FM 1431.

    The address is:

    18601 FM 1431 Suite 105 

    Jonestown, TX 78645

    Learn more about locations here.

  • In Texas, all Licensed Professional Counselors begin as LPC-Associates for the first stage of independent practice. During this time, we complete additional supervised clinical hours before full licensure.

    This means:

    • I meet all educational and examination requirements for licensure.

    • I work under the guidance of a highly experienced LPC-Supervisor.

    • I regularly consult on cases to ensure high-quality, ethical care.

    Supervision strengthens the depth and thoughtfulness of your therapy while also allowing sessions to remain more affordable.

  • Yes, I offer a free 20-minute consultation.

    Finding the right therapist is about relationship and fit. During our consultation, we can talk about what’s bringing you in, what you’re hoping for, and whether working together feels aligned. You’re welcome to ask questions about my approach, background, or process.

    You can request a consultation through the contact page.

  • Individual therapy: $115 per 55-minute session.

    Group therapy: $45 per 55-minute session.

    If cost is a concern, please reach out. I reserve a limited number of sliding-scale spots to help keep therapy accessible.

  • I ask for at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule. Appointments canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice may be charged the full session fee. 

    I understand that life happens, so if an emergency or sudden, unpredictable event forces you to miss your session, please let me know.

  • Most clients begin with weekly sessions to build momentum and establish a strong foundation for change.

    Over time, some people move to biweekly or monthly sessions. We’ll decide together what best supports your goals and circumstances.

  • Therapy is individualized. How long you stay is up to you.

    Some people come for a focused period (8–12 sessions) to work through a specific concern. Others stay longer to explore deeper patterns or more complex challenges, and some return periodically during different seasons of life or to check in.

    To start, sticking with therapy for 10 weeks is encouraged, as real change takes time. My aim is not to keep you in therapy indefinitely, but instead to support you in building insight and resilience so you feel more steady and equipped in your life.

  • No. Only psychiatrists, physicians, or psychiatric nurse practitioners prescribe medication.

  • Part of Life Counseling is a private-pay practice and is not in-network with insurance panels. To clarify, it’s not that I don’t want to take insurance, it’s that insurance does not offer terms which would allow me to sustain my practice or to offer the standard of care I believe is needed for deep healing.

    However, I can provide a monthly statement for you to submit for potential out-of-network reimbursement.

    To check your benefits, call your insurance provider and ask:

    • Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?

    • What is my deductible?

    • What is the reimbursement rate for CPT code 90837 (60-minute psychotherapy)?

    • Are there session limits or pre-authorization requirements?

    Insurance can be helpful, however, it can also create barriers. Many plans require you to meet a high deductible before coverage begins and then coverage is often limited. In addition, insurance companies require a mental health diagnosis and documentation of “medical necessity,” require that you work with therapists on their list regardless of your unique needs. They can also request treatment records to assess you progress. Ultimately, their focus is about getting you to a basic level of functioning, 

    Private pay offers:

    • Freedom to choose your therapist

    • Greater privacy

    • Flexibility in treatment length and style

    • Focus care, and therapy guided by your goals, not insurance rules

  • Under the No Surprises Act (effective January 1, 2022), clients not using insurance are entitled to a Good Faith Estimate outlining expected costs.

    Because therapy is individualized, the total number of sessions varies. Your Good Faith Estimate will outline the estimated cost of services over a period of time based on a set hourly fee.

    Learn more at: www.cms.gov/nosurprises

When life asks for more, I’m here for you.

Ready to take the next step?

Reach out today to schedule a consultation and discover how personalized counseling can support your well-being.

Mindfulness and thoughtful therapy for those navigating grief, loss, illness, and life transitions.