- Stress and anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- Guilt and shame
About Laura
Laura Messina is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New Jersey with 15 years of professional experience. She works with adults who are managing stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship concerns, trauma and abuse, and depression. Laura also focuses on issues such as caregiver stress, communication problems, forgiveness, guilt and shame, isolation, midlife transitions, and workplace difficulties.
She prefers straightforward conversations. Sessions are a place to name what feels heavy and to sort through the practical next steps. Laura asks questions, listens closely, and helps people weigh options rather than offering quick fixes. The goal is to make difficult feelings easier to understand and respond to.
Her background includes long-term clinical work supporting people through traumatic experiences and addiction recovery. That experience informs how she structures sessions and follows up between meetings. She pays attention to how daily routines, relationships, and responsibilities affect mood and coping.
When guilt or shame is present, she helps people look at the feeling's origins and its effects on decisions and relationships. She works with real-life constraints like work, caregiving, and financial stress when planning change. Conversations aim to be direct and practical so people can try new ways of responding outside sessions.
Clients in New Jersey meet with a therapist who knows local systems and resources. Sessions are conducted in English. To begin, visitors are asked to use the site matching process and schedule a first session through the online booking flow.
How evidence-based methods are used in online sessions
Laura uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address symptoms and behaviors. One common approach focuses on skills for managing intense emotions and anxiety, teaching breathing, grounding, and step-by-step coping strategies that can be practiced between sessions. Another area emphasizes processing traumatic experiences in a paced way so memories and reactions become easier to live with rather than avoid. These approaches help with panic, post-traumatic stress, and mood symptoms by giving simple tools and clearer ways to respond to distress.Choosing the right method is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss what feels most useful, try approaches in session, and adjust based on what actually helps. That collaborative process means plans change as needs and goals evolve.
Session logistics should be confirmed before booking because formats are not specified in the biography. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, for example by reducing travel time, allowing shorter check-ins around a workday, or avoiding the need to be on camera for every meeting. Ask about the specific session formats offered when you schedule so the practical details match your routine.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
15+ years
Listed in
New Jersey
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and depression, plus related areas such as caregiver stress, forgiveness, guilt and shame.
How would you describe her therapy style?
She favors direct, practical conversations that name feelings and consider concrete steps. Sessions focus on understanding problems and planning ways to respond differently.
How long has she been practicing?
Laura has 15 years of professional work experience in clinical settings.
What credential does she hold and where does she practice?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in New Jersey and practices there.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted; she works with clients located in New Jersey.
How are sessions arranged and paid for?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin working with her?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session through the site.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.