Laurel Salem (She/Her)
LPC-Associate
I am deeply passionate about providing holistic care that supports the entire person—mind, body, and spirit. I integrate mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to offer compassionate, effective treatment that empowers clients to explore and align with their authentic selves. At Luminary Counseling, I am a LPC-Associate under the supervision of Jennifer Buffalo, LPC-S, LMFT.
I am committed to fostering an inclusive, nonjudgmental, and warm environment where every client feels seen, heard, and valued. I work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including women, LGBTQ+ individuals, non-binary clients, and anyone seeking a space to explore their identity, relationships, and personal growth.
My therapeutic approach is rooted in helping clients connect with their values, so they can heal, explore, and live in alignment with their true selves. I believe that when clients are connected to their values, they are empowered to create the life they want—whether that’s navigating life transitions, achieving personal goals, or overcoming obstacles.
I am sex-positive and approach all aspects of identity and relationships with openness and curiosity. My practice is a safe space to discuss all topics, including non-monogamous, nontraditional, and alternative relationships and lifestyles. I firmly believe in the importance of both clients and therapists being authentic in the therapeutic process, which allows for deeper connection and meaningful work together.
I look forward to walking alongside you on your journey, offering a space where you can explore, heal, and create the life you desire.
Specializations
- Anxiety Disorders
- Couples Counseling
- Depression and Mood Disorders
- LGBTQ+ Counseling
- Life Transitions and Adjustments
- Mindfulness-Based Therapy
- Multicultural Counseling
- Sex Therapy
Populations of Interest
- Adolescents
- Couples/relationship
- LGBTQ+ Individuals
- Diverse Relationship Structures (ex: Polyamory or ethical non-monogamy)
- Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming Individuals
- Individuals with Trauma and Abuse History
- Individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Individuals with Body Image Concerns
- Individuals with Academic or School-related Challenges
- Individuals with Identity Issues (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, sexual)
Fees
$115-$140 for Individual Counseling
$140 for Relationship Counseling
Delivery Method of Services and Languages Spoken
Telehealth in English
Favorite Quote, Movie, Book, or TV Show
“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek,” -Joseph Campbell
Educational and Work Background
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from St. Edward’s University in 2020, where I developed a deep foundation in human behavior and mental health. I then went on to complete my Master’s degree in Counseling at St. Edward’s University in 2024, further honing my therapeutic skills and understanding of the mental health field.
During my clinical training, I had the privilege of working at the St. Edward’s Community Clinic, where I gained valuable hands-on experience supporting individuals with a wide range of challenges. I further expanded my expertise through my internship at Jewish Family Services, where I worked with both individuals and groups, providing counseling and support to diverse clients navigating life transitions, trauma, and personal growth.
This extensive training has shaped my approach to therapy, blending academic knowledge with real-world experience, and has solidified my commitment to providing compassionate, client-centered care.
Hobbies or Personal Interests
I’m originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, and I’ve been lucky to call Austin home since 2016. Outside of work, I’m often out and about with my two rescue dogs, Cowboy and Lady. We love exploring the city, especially on walks around Lady Bird Lake, but I’m just as content curling up with a good book or spending quality time with friends.
My creative side is a big part of who I am. Whether I’m experimenting with clay, piecing together a collage, or simply admiring the work of local artists, art is a passion I’ve been diving deeper into lately. I find inspiration not just in creating but in visiting galleries and live music shows and seeing how other individuals express themselves.
I’m deeply passionate about exploring nontraditional approaches to therapy and wellness. As an enthusiastic lifelong learner, I’m always excited to discover new modalities, from art therapy to energy healing practices like Reiki, where I’m Level One certified. I find these holistic approaches to be incredibly enriching and love how they compliment my work as a therapist, allowing me to bring a well-rounded, open-minded perspective to my practice.
Make An Appointment
Fill out our form today for a free 30-minute face-to-face consultation from any of our therapists!
Call us at 512-657-7744 for more information.