Laura Barnaby

Welcome! I’m Laura Barnaby, a compassionate and empathetic graduate intern at Flourish Counseling, currently in the final year of my Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Walden University. My journey into counseling began with a deep passion for people and cultures, which led me to spend several years living in South Africa. While working with an NGO focused on youth and young adult development, I witnessed a profound need for psychological and emotional healing, particularly among young people who had experienced trauma. This experience inspired me to pursue a degree in Social Work at the University of Cape Town, where I completed fieldwork in both a psychiatric hospital and a high school. During this time, I found myself drawn to direct, relational work with clients and eventually felt called to shift from social work to mental health counseling. Since beginning my graduate studies, I’ve had the privilege of working with a behavioral health agency that supports families navigating mental health concerns, school difficulties, behavioral challenges, and legal issues. This role has given me broad exposure to community resources and enriched my experience working with individuals and families from a wide range of backgrounds. At Flourish Counseling, I strive to create a calming, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you feel safe to share your story. My approach is multicultural, empathetic, and grounded in evidence-based practices. I believe every person holds innate dignity and has the right to pursue a holistic and authentic life. Healing is possible and I’m here to walk alongside you in that process. I work with individuals facing a variety of challenges, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, life transitions, relationship conflicts, and sexual identity exploration. Together, we’ll set meaningful goals and explore strategies that are tailored to your unique needs and strengths. It would be an honor to support you on your healing journey.