Brenda Lauer

Compassionate, practical counseling with flexible options

LPC Missouri

Experience: 15 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages: English

About Brenda

Brenda Lauer is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 15 years of clinical experience working in independent practice. She brings a calm, warm presence to her work and blends practical, evidence-informed methods with a respectful, client-centered stance.

Background and approach

Her background includes helping people navigate stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, anger, and depression, as well as a range of related concerns such as attachment issues, chronic pain and illness, caregiver stress, and body image. Brenda emphasizes seeing situations from each client's perspective before collaborating on change strategies, and she avoids one-size-fits-all plans.

She draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) alongside approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotionally-Focused and client-centered methods, and solution-focused techniques to tailor an individualized path forward. Brenda works part time on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, typically in afternoon hours Eastern Time, and she accepts international clients who communicate in English.

Her practice aims to combine compassion and practical tools so clients can build sustainable coping skills and clearer direction.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Brenda often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients identify unhelpful thoughts and test new ways of thinking and behaving; CBT can be useful for addressing anxiety, depression, stress, and patterns that interfere with daily functioning. She also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which helps people clarify values, accept difficult experiences, and take committed action toward meaningful goals. Both approaches offer practical exercises and skills that adapt well to remote work.

Finding the right method is treated as a collaborative process. Brenda listens to each person's concerns and preferences, then combines techniques from different approaches to build a tailored plan. She emphasizes working together to determine which tools feel most helpful and adjusts as goals evolve over time.

Online therapy with her is offered through flexible formats including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, reduce travel time, and maintain continuity when circumstances change, while allowing therapists and clients to focus on skill-building and problem solving in ways that suit the client's routine.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of difficulties does Brenda address?

She works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, anger, and depression, and also focuses on areas such as adoption and foster care, attachment issues, chronic illness and pain, caregiver stress, body image, and other related concerns.

How would you describe her therapeutic approach and style?

Her style is gentle and warm, emphasizing empathy and respect while using a mix of approaches to fit each client rather than a cookie-cutter plan.

How much clinical experience does she have?

Brenda has 15 years of experience as a therapist working in independent practice.

What credentials and region does she practice from?

She is a Licensed Professional Counselor with license number MO LPC 2003002001 and practices out of Missouri.

Can people who live outside the United States work with her?

Yes, she accepts international clients and provides services in English.

Which session formats does she offer for online work?

Sessions are available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on scheduling and client preference.

How are fees and subscriptions handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What are the steps to begin working with her?

To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuse GriefAnger managementDepression

Additional focus areas

Adoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTraumatic brain injuryWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Solution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

15+ years

Licensed

Missouri

Languages

English