Laurie Stricker , LMSW

Laurie Stricker completed her Master of Social Work degree in April of 1998 while working full time and began her clinical path after volunteering at a domestic violence shelter where she explored methods to support at-risk families. Her first position after earning the degree was in the foster care system, which deepened her understanding of child welfare, family dynamics, and the legal processes that affect children and parents.

She later returned to her hometown in northeast Michigan to serve as an infant mental health specialist, gaining hands-on experience in trauma work, family therapy, and providing services in clients' homes. Her subsequent role in a local hospital's behavioral health services expanded her capacity to provide individual psychotherapy to people of all ages and backgrounds and included work on in-patient units addressing substance abuse and serious mental illness.

A move to the VA broadened her clinical experience and offered additional learning opportunities. Over the course of her career she has developed a broad skill set and comfort with multiple therapeutic modalities. She holds an LMSW, which stands for Licensed Master Social Worker and reflects advanced professional training in social work and clinical practice, and she uses that background to adapt treatment approaches to a variety of client needs.

Approaches for Online Care and Healing

Laurie Stricker commonly uses Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Trauma-Focused Therapy in her work. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental relationship in which the client leads the pace and focus of sessions while the therapist offers support and empathy - this approach helps with self-esteem, relationship concerns, and navigating life changes. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and developing practical skills to change them; it is often used for anxiety, depression, sleep concerns, and coping strategies. Trauma-Focused Therapy addresses the impact of past traumatic events through targeted techniques that help reduce symptoms and improve day-to-day functioning.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Laurie works collaboratively with clients to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and personal preferences. She adapts strategies over time as progress and circumstances evolve.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone conversations, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit varied routines and life demands. This range of options makes it easier for clients to access consistent support, maintain momentum between sessions, and engage in care from home or while traveling, all with the guidance of licensed professionals and therapists who tailor treatment to each person.