Laura Jaap, MA, LP
Independent Contractor
Therapy for teens, adults, and couples
CBT-Trained Therapist
Hi, I'm Laura Jaap.
Hi, I’m Laura Jaap. I’m a Licensed Psychologist who works with adults, couples, teens, and families. I specialize in challenges with eating and weight issues, mood difficulties, life transitions, and relationships.
In addition, I have a passion for supporting caregivers of family members with autism and dementia, as well as fellow therapists and mental health workers who may be going through tough times. My goal is to offer encouragement during life’s challenges and help you create and maintain your life worth living.
My Journey to Becoming a Therapist
My own life experiences are what help me relate so deeply with clients. These struggles, including single-parenting, and having family members with developmental and mental health concerns, are what led me to this rewarding work, and continue to keep me real.
Helping People Gives My Life Meaning
I love being part of the journey as people become healthier and more empowered, and witnessing them create more fulfilling lives.
The most rewarding thing about being a therapist is seeing the change a person makes. I am committed to facilitating positive change.
I Have a Genuine Interest in Others and Bring a Clarifying, Energizing Presence To Sessions
- Accept people for who they are and in their current life circumstances
- Help people identify and express what they are feeling
- Explain mental health symptoms in an easy to understand way
- Inspire faith and hope for getting better
- Provide an authentic presence through the process of change
People who know me often say that I am curious, direct, dynamic, enthusiastic, and inspiring through difficult and stressful times, combining compassion for present problems with the pursuit of future goals.
Our Sessions are Focused on You
Sessions will provide you with the opportunity to honestly express yourself: to be heard and understood. And take the next steps needed to develop new skills and improve your life.
It’s important to me to ensure that the process is collaborative. There isn’t a “one size fits all” approach. Our sessions will fit your specific needs and concerns, with flexibility as these evolve.
As a Therapist,
I Embrace the Following Philosophies
- I believe that therapy is a real relationship.
- I believe that we only heal if we take care of ourselves.
- I believe that we can stop feeling shame when we share our story with someone.
- I believe that emotions heal when they are witnessed and validated.
- I believe that therapy should address the person as a whole- Mind, Body, & Spirit.
- I believe that even if we feel like we've lost hope, it's possible to show up, commit to ourselves, and do what it takes to start feeling better.
My Professional Background
I became licensed as a Psychologist in Minnesota in 1997 and earned my Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from St Mary’s University.
My therapeutic approaches are eclectic, holistic, solution-focused, and empirically based, utilizing my training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Systemic-based Theory, and Narrative Therapy.
I have experience in a variety of settings: in-home, community-based mental health centers, medical clinics, hospitals, and private practice. I’m experienced in all levels of care: inpatient, day treatment, intensive- outpatient and outpatient. I have experience in all modalities of services: group, family, couples, individual, as well as Supervision of Interns.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/laura-ann-jaap-wayzata-mn/334741
Let's Discover How I Can Help
Start living in the moment and enjoying your life.
