Laura Gardener, MA

Nutritional and Integrative Medicine for Mental Health

Information

About Experience

I have been teaching Hatha Yoga since 1982 and have studied both Ayurvedic Medicine and Western Herbalism. I have formal training in various Ethnic cuisines and attended Seattle Culinary Academy. I garden and raise chickens for eggs out of a belief that living in connection to the earth keeps me and others healthy. I practiced Lakota Sioux spiritual traditions for over 10 years and became a leader of certain rites. Additionally, I have learned about my Ukrainian heritage; how to cook the traditional food and conduct the yearly observances to honor my ancestors.

What Patients Can Expect

I’ve practiced Masters-level psychotherapy since 1985. I’ve specialized in working with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), anxiety and dissociative disorders (including Dissociative Identity Disorder), and depression. However, as a trained Jungian psychotherapist, I help each client to individuate; that is, to more fully become themselves.

I attend to the client’s hopes and dreams for their life in order to guide us in our work together. I take an holistic approach by discussing nutrition, sleep, activity/movement, creative and spiritual expression, relationships, connection to nature, and use of medicines, herbs, supplements, and other substances. I believe that humor and play can be very healing and that, though an often serious matter, therapy can also be a fun and enjoyable experience.

Medical  Specialties

• Health Coaching

Medical Conditions

• Aging
• Arthritis
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
• Chronic Pain
• Depression, Anxiety or Bipolar Disorder
• Eating Disorders
• Insomnia and Sleep Disorders
• Stress-related Conditions
• Weight or Metabolism concerns

Professional Associations

Jungian Psychotherapist’s Association (former President, twice)