Hi there.

I'm Lauri Shedd (she/her) and I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the states of Missouri, Georgia, Florida, and Alabama. I recently relocated from St. Louis, Missouri, to rural Georgia. I maintain licensure and accept insurance in both states and accept private-pay clients from Alabama.

What I believe...

My practice is grounded in a belief that all of us (yes, even you) possess the strength, courage, and skills necessary to overcome the obstacles that get in the way of enjoying healthy, fulfilling lives. I can help you tap into your natural resilience in order to find your way to success and happiness, while I serve as a guide and collaborative partner every step of the way. You can do this!

Who I help...

I work with adults and older teenagers (18+) who are dealing with anxiety, social anxiety/phobia, body focused repetitive behaviors (excoriation disorder and trichotillomania), insomnia, and depression. I can help you work through major life transitions and relationship problems. I can also help you develop social skills if you have a deficit in that area. I have experience providing counseling and coaching services to individuals and groups in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, and specialized intensive day treatment programs. 

How I help...

I understand and appreciate that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Sometimes you want short-term help to navigate and cope with a particularly challenging or stressful life experience. Sometimes you prefer longer-term therapy that builds on the learning and self-discovery realized along the way. Together, we can develop a treatment plan that meets your needs. I will work to understand how you are uniquely you, because I understand that the way we experience mental health issues might not fit the textbook description.

I use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques to help clients identify and acknowledge disruptive or debilitating thoughts and behaviors that are barriers to understanding and achieving their full potential. I integrate other approaches that 'play well with' CBT to help with stumbling blocks and provide more insight on your problem. I also integrate mindfulness into my practice and am happy to introduce you to its benefits as well.

I have a positive therapeutic approach that leverages encouragement, advocacy, empowerment, learning, and skills development. I don't shy away from talking about the past -- it is part of us -- but it isn't always necessary to go there to get relief of symptoms.  I let you decide.  

Video therapy

I’ve been utilizing video therapy since 2018 (though typically it was for homebound folks or those in underserved areas) while I also maintained an in-person space. Since I enjoyed video therapy already, I decided to take my practice fully online in March 2020 and couldn’t be happier about the decision. My clients and I love it. We get to save time, gas, and choose times that fit into busy schedules — on your lunch break, between meetings, while you’re relaxing on your porch — working online gives you flexibility that just isn’t there with in-person appointments, plus you get the added bonus of having your pets there for extra support. I’ve found that I can connect with clients and form strong therapeutic relationships despite not sitting in the same room. I use a safe, secure, and reliable telehealth platform that you can connect to with a mobile device or laptop.

A little more about me...

I have a bachelor’s degree in social sciences and a master’s degree in social work, both from Florida State University.  I have been a member of the National Association for Social Workers since 2013. I am a former Guardian ad Litem and Big Sister. 

To relax, I enjoy sitting on the back porch and enjoying the wildlife. I’m a lifelong thrift shopper and record collector. I love to spend time with my husband and my many pets (current count is one dog and two cats). I’m working on finding more time to become better at embroidery. Road trips and fancy baked goods make me happy.

I am accepting new clients.  Please call 314-882-0282 to schedule or visit the contact me page.