Lauren Bredar, LPC Resident
Teens (15+) | Adults | Psychedelic Integration
If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or caught in patterns that no longer serve you, therapy can be a place to pause, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can explore what's bringing you to therapy while gaining new insight, perspective, and practical tools for change.
I believe healing happens when we feel understood, challenged, and supported at the same time. My goal is to help you better understand yourself, your relationships, and your experiences so that you can move through life with greater self-awareness, confidence, and intention.
My Approach
My clients often tell me they feel both genuinely supported and thoughtfully challenged in our work together. If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, self-esteem concerns, life transitions, or simply feeling stuck, my goal is to help you better understand yourself, gain new perspective, and create meaningful change.
I believe therapy should be a space where you feel comfortable, validated, and accepted while also being encouraged to explore the deeper patterns, experiences, and beliefs that may be contributing to what you're experiencing. As someone who deeply values authenticity, compassion, and connection, I strive to create a therapeutic relationship that feels warm, collaborative, and free of judgment.
One of the most common things I hear from clients is that previous therapy experiences felt supportive but did not lead to meaningful change. While validation and emotional support are important parts of the process, I see my role as much more than simply listening. Together, we will connect the dots, explore new perspectives, and build insight into the thoughts, emotions, and patterns that shape your life.
Psychoeducation is an important part of my approach because I believe understanding the "why" behind our experiences can be incredibly empowering. I enjoy helping clients better understand themselves, their relationships, and the ways past experiences continue to influence the present. My hope is that you leave sessions not only feeling heard, but with greater self-awareness, practical tools, and a clearer path forward.
Clients often describe me as approachable, genuine, and easy to talk to. While I take this work seriously, I also bring my personality and sense of humor into the therapy room when appropriate. Therapy does not have to feel rigid or overly clinical. I believe growth happens most naturally when people feel safe enough to be fully themselves, and I strive to create a space that feels engaging, authentic, and human.
Who I Work With
I work with teens (15+), young adults, and adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, self-esteem concerns, life transitions, stress, and personal growth. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or simply looking to better understand yourself, I strive to create a supportive and collaborative space where meaningful change can occur.
I enjoy working with clients who are curious about themselves and motivated to gain insight, build healthier patterns, strengthen relationships, and develop practical tools for navigating life's challenges.
I commonly work with:
Teens (15+)
College & Graduate Students
Young Adults
Adults
Anxiety & Stress
Depression
Trauma
Relationship Challenges
Self-Esteem & Identity Development
Life Transitions
Personal Growth & Self-Discovery
What Sessions With Me Feel Like
Clients often describe me as approachable, genuine, and easy to talk to. While therapy can involve difficult emotions and meaningful self-reflection, I also believe that humor, authenticity, and human connection have an important place in the therapy room. My goal is to build a strong therapeutic relationship where you feel comfortable showing up as your full self, because trust and connection are some of the strongest predictors of meaningful therapeutic growth.
I am not a rigid or one-size-fits-all therapist. I take a creative and collaborative approach to therapy, tailoring our work to your unique needs, strengths, and goals. Whether we're exploring long-standing patterns, developing coping skills, or navigating a current challenge, I want our work together to feel engaging, insightful, and relevant to your life.
I also believe that healing happens both inside and outside of therapy. For clients who are interested, I encourage creative expression through writing, art, music, movement, or other meaningful activities that support emotional wellbeing and self-discovery.
Nature can also be a powerful part of the healing process. For clients who are interested, walk-and-talk therapy can offer a more relaxed and grounding way to engage in therapeutic work while benefiting from movement and time outdoors.
My approach is holistic and incorporates the connection between mind and body. When appropriate, I may integrate mindfulness, somatic practices, breathing exercises, body awareness, and nervous system regulation techniques into our work. I also believe that mental health is influenced by many aspects of daily life, including relationships, sleep, movement, nutrition, social connection, and overall wellbeing. Together, we will explore the areas that can best support your growth and healing.
Areas of Focus
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma & PTSD
Relationship issues & family therapy
Stress and sleep issues
Perinatal mental health
LGBTQ+ affirming care
OCD
ADHD
Beyond the Therapy Room
Outside of my work as a therapist, I am a creative writer and have been part of the same creative writing group for the past four years. I love storytelling and am continually inspired by the ways people make meaning of their experiences and connect through shared narratives.
I also enjoy spending time outdoors and value opportunities to slow down, explore, and reconnect with nature.
Before becoming a therapist, I worked in the technology and mental health startup space, experiences that continue to shape my understanding of the unique pressures many people face in academic, professional, and high-achieving environments.
I have also had the opportunity to live abroad in France and study in Morocco, experiences that deepened my appreciation for different cultures, perspectives, and ways of understanding the world.
“It is a joy to be hidden and a disaster not to be found.” -DW Winnicott
Credentials + Training
Resident in Counseling — Virginia
Narrative Therapy
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Psychodynamic Therapy
Ketamine-Assisted Therapy (KAP)
Psychedelic Preparation & Integration
Trauma-Informed Care
Mindfulness-Based Approaches
If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply ready to understand yourself on a deeper level, I would be honored to walk alongside you. Together, we can create a space for insight, healing, and meaningful growth. When you're ready, I invite you to reach out and begin the journey.