Laura Nirai

MS

SPECIALTIES

ABOUT ME:

Together we can create a safe space that invites authentic expression, healing, discovery, and growth and honors all parts of yourself, your identity, and your journey. I believe in the therapeutic power of connection, compassion, and curiosity, and I aim to embody this in all aspects of my work.

I view therapy through a relational, systemic lens and use a humanistic, trauma-informed, attachment-focused, and anti-oppressive approach. Models that guide my practice most are narrative, collaborative, and psychodynamic therapies as well as Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I also believe in the value of incorporating mindfulness and art into therapy. I see couples and individual adults and work most with people experiencing challenges related to anxiety, depression, relational stressors, self-esteem, PTSD, gender and sexual identity, life stressors, and life transitions.

I am passionate about working with LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and immigrant clients and value creating safe, empowering, and healing spaces for every person. My previous experience as a therapist has been in an inpatient day treatment setting providing individual, group, and family therapy to adolescents and their families. My non-clinical work experience has been in education, research, and healthcare, which have each informed how I view and value therapy.

Today I enjoy filling my cup by spending time with my spouse and two dogs, crocheting, meditating, gardening, swimming, long walks in nature, and reading a good book with a nice hot mug of tea. Each person’s mental and relational health journey is unique, and how therapy plays a role in that journey looks different for everyone too. It would be my privilege to play a supportive role in your journey as we explore where you want to go and how you want to get there together.

education

M.S. – Capella University

B.A. – University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

clinical experience

CARE Counseling (Present)

  • Provider is working on post-masters’ hours and is under supervision.

Youable Emotional Health Day Treatment

CARE’s Providers are In-Network with a variety of providers including:

BlueCross BlueShield logo
PreferredOne logo
United Healthcare logo
UCARE logo
Hennepin Healthcare logo
Health EZ Logo
Health Partners logo
Aetna Logo
Cigna Logo
Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) logo

Additionally, Out of Network & Out of Pocket options are available.