A unique combination of skills
Laura Hawley
I am a licensed acupuncturist and a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in treating caregiving professionals. While these are separate practices, my acupuncture and therapy work support each other that both draw on a deep understanding of the mind and of the body. Therapy with me is informed by how the body holds both trauma and the profound potential for healing and balance. Acupuncture with me is enriched by close listening and by framing the work to include emotional issues.
My interest in the challenge of caregiving professions arises from my own experience as a young social worker. I found that I carried my clients’ pain home with me, and eventually left social work due symptoms related to burnout. I sought care for this at the New England School of Acupuncture. My transformative experience there led to my attending the school and graduating in 1996.
After twenty years of practice as an acupuncturist, I felt a draw to return to the formal practice of psychotherapy. I was interested in deepening my ability to help clients at an emotional level. I will complete my three-year training in the Gestalt Therapy Institute of Philadelphia (GTIP) in May 2019. In addition to my training there, I initiated and served on a committee that strengthened GTIP’s processes around diversity, equity, and inclusion.
I aim to help people who care for others do so in a way that includes themselves. It is my great fortune to be able to practice in both modalities. Clients describe my work as gentle, effective, and empowering.