Lauren Kahn, MHC-LP

I always knew that I wanted to work in the mental health field but there was a specific moment when everything clicked and I realized I wanted to pursue a mental health counseling degree.

I was working with teens at a therapeutic boarding school when I first learned about the cycle of anxiety and reassurance.   A therapist I had been collaborating with explained how offering reassurance can feel helpful in the moment—not just for the person experiencing anxiety, but also for the person providing it, because it feels like you’re doing something supportive. But over time, that pattern can actually reinforce the anxiety itself. That conversation was my lightbulb moment – I realized I wanted to understand these deeper dynamics and be part of that transformative work.

What I learned in those classrooms was that real change happens when you meet people where they are, not where you think they should be. I bring that same philosophy into therapy. It’s a collaborative process where you get to define what progress looks like. My role isn’t to give advice or tell you how to live your life—it’s to help you explore what kind of life you actually want and support you in making intentional decisions that move you closer to it.

Clients tell me I’m a great listener who asks thoughtful questions that help them connect dots they hadn’t considered before. They say I create a space where it feels safe to give feedback – whether they’re uncomfortable with a topic or want to try a different approach. That openness is important because I believe sometimes it’s more valuable to let you take the lead, especially when I sense you’re capable of finding your own path. It might be a slower process, but it’s often more empowering and sustainable in the long run.

I work primarily with teens and young adults navigating depression, anxiety, neurodiversity, and major life transitions. I identify with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and use it as a guiding framework—especially its core goal of helping people build a life worth living. That means I value your autonomy, support intrinsic motivation, and believe deeply in helping you build skills to manage emotions and behaviors more effectively. I often use CBT techniques within sessions, but I also integrate art therapy techniques when appropriate. As someone with my own creative practice—drawing, painting, or just experimenting—I’ve found that engaging multiple senses can help people stay present and process emotions in ways that go beyond talk alone.

During difficult conversations, I offer a steady presence and check in regularly to see how you’re feeling. If things get emotionally intense, I’ll pause and offer grounding techniques, or simply create space for you to cry or reflect. You’re always in control of the pace and direction.

Outside of sessions, I’m usually creating something – whether I’m focused on the final product or just enjoying the process, art is my favorite way to practice mindfulness. It gives my mind a break from thinking about the past or worrying about the future, and I find I feel better afterward.

Therapy isn’t about instant fixes or someone telling you exactly what to do to solve your life. Real progress often takes time and the most honest conversations are usually the ones that help us shift things in the right direction. My clients typically leave sessions feeling understood, lighter, more aware, and more in control of their own story.

Therapy can be whatever you need it to be. There’s no one “right” way to do this. What matters is that it’s helpful and meaningful to you.