Laura Pengelly, LMFT
Story-focused therapist with practical tools
Details
| Name | Laura Pengelly |
|---|---|
| Credentials | LMFT |
| Based in | Pennsylvania |
| Licensed in | Pennsylvania |
| Session format | Online |
| Languages | English |
| Years in practice | 22 |
About Laura
Laura Pengelly is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Pennsylvania with 22 years of clinical experience. She focuses on relationship and family concerns as well as individual struggles like anxiety, depression, grief, and stress. Laura listens in a warm, direct way and helps people find practical steps forward.
She uses Narrative Therapy to look at the stories people tell about themselves and their relationships. That work often uncovers patterns that keep problems going and opens up new ways to act.
Background and approach
Laura also draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to break down harmful thoughts and Solution-Focused ideas to identify small, doable changes. Many people come for help with parenting, attachment, blended family challenges, and communication problems. She has long experience supporting those dealing with trauma, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, anger, and concerns about intimacy and self-esteem.
Laura pays attention to the facts of each person’s life rather than assuming one fixed cause. Sessions move at a steady, practical pace. Laura encourages clear goals and simple experiments between meetings so progress can be noticed.
She explains techniques in everyday language and adjusts her approach to what each person prefers. Her practice is geared toward accessible support for everyday struggles and big life changes. People who want a thoughtful, story-focused approach with concrete tools often find this style helpful.
What this therapist works with
Her listing names Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse among the things Laura works with, alongside the areas below.
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
- Parenting issues
- Stress, Anxiety
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Anger management
- Self esteem
- Career difficulties
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Attachment issues
- Autism and Asperger Syndrome
- Blended family issues
- Commitment issues
- Communication problems
- Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
- Family of origin issues
- Family problems
- Fatherhood issues
- Forgiveness
- Mood disorders
- Young adult issues
Approaches listed
- Narrative Therapy: Named in her listing among her approaches.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Listed by Laura among the ways she works.
- Solution-Focused Therapy: Listed by Laura among the ways she works.
- Trauma-Focused Therapy: Listed by Laura among the ways she works.
- Training stated: This directory copies the approaches a therapist names and does not check training records. Ask Laura directly how much of the work is narrative and what a session usually looks like.
Narrative Therapy in this listing
Narrative Therapy appears in this therapist's own list of approaches. That tells you it is part of how she works. It does not tell you how much of a session it shapes, and this directory does not check or rate training.
If a narrative approach is what you are looking for, it is worth asking Laura directly how she uses it and what a session usually looks like.
Online session options
Narrative and practical approaches for online care
Laura blends Narrative Therapy with Cognitive Behavioral and Solution-Focused ideas to address the problems people bring to online sessions. Narrative Therapy looks at the stories someone tells about themselves and their relationships and helps rewrite those stories so they create healthier patterns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing small behavior changes to change mood and reactions. Solution-Focused Therapy zeroes in on strengths and on building small, achievable steps that move life in a different direction.Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. Laura will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what feels most useful, and then tailor methods together in a collaborative way. This helps keep sessions focused and relevant to real-life needs.
Online formats offer flexibility for busy schedules and different needs. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth or camera use is an issue. Live chat and text messaging are useful for shorter check-ins, quick skills practice, or when writing feels more comfortable than speaking. These options make it easier to maintain steady progress while fitting therapy into everyday life.
Common questions about this listing
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She works with relationship and family concerns plus individual issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, stress, parenting and trauma-related problems.
What is her general therapy style?
Her style is warm and interactive, focusing on stories people tell and on practical steps to change thoughts and behaviors.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 22 years of experience working with a wide range of concerns and life stages.
What credentials and region apply to her practice?
She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT, practicing in Pennsylvania.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English only and international clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions delivered online?
She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging as session formats.
How does pricing work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions are provided via a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin therapy?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability.
Contacting this therapist
Sessions with Laura are arranged through our partner platform. It asks a few questions about what you are looking for, then shows you the therapists available to you, including Laura where she has space. Ask about fees, and whether she holds a licence or registration where you live.
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